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By ZACHARY SEIFTER/ Staff Writer

 

The unemployment rate in Chilton County once again saw a decrease in the month of April.

The rate was 2.4% for the month, down from the 2.8% unemployment rate in the month of March. It also is a significant decrease from April 2020, when the unemployment rate in the county was 11.6%.

The rate represents only 462 people that were unemployed in the county.

Chilton County is just one of many in the state to see a decrease in the unemployment rate. The rate in the state of Alabama saw an overall decrease as it was down to 3.6% in April, an improvement from the 3.8% unemployment rate in March.

“Alabama continues to see a decline in unemployment, as vaccines roll out and businesses expand hiring,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a press release from the Alabama Department of Labor. “Yet again, we’ve reached a new post-pandemic low unemployment rate as we edge closer and closer to our previous pre-pandemic record low.  Alabama is open for business and we’re ready to get everyone back to work!”

Wage and salary employment have increased significantly in the state, with serious gains in the leisure and hospitality sector, the manufacturing sector and the trade, transportation, and utilities sector seeing the biggest gains.

“Total private average weekly earnings rose to $968.19 in April, up $33.09 over the month, and $67.81 over the year,” according to the press release. “Leisure and hospitality weekly earnings rose to $384.01 in April, up $23.17 over the month, and $54.58 over the year. Hourly, total private earnings rose to $27.35, up $0.86 over the month, and $0.79 over the year. Hourly, leisure and hospitality earnings rose to $14.17, up $0.45 over the month, and $0.94 over the year.”

For more information on the unemployment rate and how the government calculates it, visit https://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.htm.