Indiana jobless rate jumps to 10.6 percent in May 2009

Times of Northwest Indiana Staff

By Times Staff | Friday, June 19, 2009 | (No comments posted.)

Indiana's unemployment rate increased to 10.6 percent in May, up from 9.9 percent in April, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reports.

The unemployment rate in Illinois was 10.1 percent in May, up from 9.4 percent a month earlier. Kentucky had an unemployment rate of 10.6 percent and Ohio's unemployment rate was 10.8 percent last month. Michigan had the highest unemployment rate in the nation in May at 14.1 percent.

The seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate was 9.4 percent in May.

"As expected, extended furloughs and layoffs in the US auto industry greatly affected Indiana's employment picture in May," said Teresa Voors, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. "Indiana may see the ripple effect over the next few months as suppliers, dealerships and other service providers adjust to the new business models of the domestic auto companies."