The jobless rate in Arizona is climbing and is now 8 percent, according to the state’s employment and population statistics released Thursday. All eleven major industry sectors recorded losses in January.
The state lost 45,500 jobs of which 74 percent were in private industry. The government sector lost 12,000 jobs.
In comparison, the US jobless rate was 7.9 percent for the same month.
The larger losses within the Private Sector were seasonal, according to the report. Retail Trade (-8,800 jobs) and Employment Services industries (-8,200 jobs) lost the most jobs, reflecting typical staff reductions after the holiday shopping season.
Other findings:
Leisure and Hospitality (L&H) lost 2,100 jobs; lower than the average loss observed for this sector in January. Historically (’03-’12), L&H has lost 3,800 jobs in January. Atypical job gains in Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (700 jobs) were offset by losses in Accommodations and Food Services (-2,800 jobs).
Food Services and Drinking Places (-2,400 jobs) as well as Accommodations (-400 jobs) lost jobs. Manufacturing lost 2,100 jobs, more than its historical (’03-’12) average (-1,500 jobs) for January. All of the losses came from Durable Goods (-2,100 jobs), while Nondurable Goods remained flat.
Construction lost 1,200 jobs. Historically (’03-’12), Construction has lost 5,600 jobs on average in January. Specialty Trades Construction Contractors lost 1,700 jobs, while Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction gained 500 jobs. Buildings Construction remained flat.
Financial Activities lost 800 jobs. This is the lowest job loss for this sector in January since 1997. Lower-than-average losses were recorded in Finance and Insurance (-300 jobs). Real Estate, Rental and Leasing shed 500 jobs.
Other Services and Information lost 600 jobs each. Natural Resources and Mining recorded the lowest job loss in January, shedding 400 jobs.