Wisconsin's unemployment rate say another increase during the month of December.
Figures released by the Department of Workforce Development show an unemployment rate in Wisconsin of 5.8-percent for December 2008. It's an increase of half a percent from November's rate of 5.3-percent.
It also marks an increase of 1.2-percent from the 4.6-percent rate of December 2007.
DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman says the rate reflects the continued impact of the national recession, with a higher unemployment rate and lower job count across industries.
While the state rate is below the national one, Gassman says Wisconsin continues to face major challenges.
From November to December, total Wisconsin non-farm jobs decreased by an estimated 33,600 to 2,833,400. Private sector jobs shrank by 28,000. Construction was down 10,900 jobs and Professional and Business Services were down 6,200 in December compared to November.
Over the year, December 2008 showed a decline of 62,600 Wisconsin non-farm jobs. Manufacturing was down 26,500, while the Professional and Business Services sector was down 14,200 over the year. The Educational and Health Services sector added 5,900 over the year.
The December survey of Wisconsin households showed 25,000 fewer employed compared to November and 36,400 fewer employed than one year ago.
