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S.D. County jobless rate up slightly

The state Employment Development Department reported yesterday that the county lost 15,400 jobs last month, largely because of seasonal fluctuations as schools close for the summer. Employment was down by 55,100 jobs from a year earlier.

Other than a seasonal pickup in hiring at bars, restaurants and tourist spots — as well as some stimulus-related jobs in construction and the federal government — no major industry had a net increase for the month.

Hundreds of workers in manufacturing, retail, information technology and temporary services lost their jobs.

“Eventually, things will turn around,” said Alan Gin, economist at the University of San Diego. “But we're not going to see employment turning positive until next year.” (Full story)