Economic slowdown means fewer manufacturing jobs in June

The latest employment statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development shows the state lost about 17,800 jobs over the last year. Manufacturing jobs decreased by 13,300, construction jobs decreased by about 4,600 and trade-related jobs decreased by about 6,200. The state’s unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in June, an increase of .7 percent from May. The national rate for June was 5.7 percent. Total Wisconsin non-farm jobs increased by 31,500 from May to June – the biggest gainers were the leisure and hospitality sector (10,600 more jobs), manufacturing (6,500 more jobs) and construction (5,200 more jobs).