August unemployment numbers show continued drop in rate

The numbers for the August unemployment rate shows a continued drop, according to a press release from Gov. Kay Ivey. 

“Alabama continues our streak of dropping unemployment, getting more of our people back to work and able to provide for their families, and we are seeing our jobs count and wages consistently rise,” she said in a press release.

“Employers in Alabama have jobs to fill, and they’re doing so at a good pace. We’re proud of the progress Alabama is making as we continue to overcome the challenges we faced due to the pandemic. Alabama is working again, and we know our work is not done yet.”

The rate is now at 3.1%, which is down from 3.2% in July. The number is also down from 7.1% in August 2020. 

Selma has also seen a decrease, now at 9.1%, down from 9.4% although it remains among the highest in the state along with Prichard and Bessemer. Dallas County is down from 7.9% to 7.7%. 

The highest counties in unemployment are Wilcox County at 11.1%, Lowndes County at 9.2%, and Perry County at 9.0% but these numbers are down from last month as well.

“We are working hard every day to reach out to those employers who still need assistance in finding employees, while at the same time working to reach those who are still looking for work, or those who are looking to advance their careers,” said Alabama Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington.

“Right now is a great time to search for a job, as wages have once again hit a new record high in Alabama. Both employers and jobseekers can obtain free services by visiting any of our local career centers. We’re here to help in any way we can.”