TOPEKA — The Franklin County unemployment rate increased to 7.4 percent in December from 6.7 percent in November. The county’s unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in December 2009. Miami and Linn counties’ unemployment rates also increased in December – 7.5 percent from 7.0 for Miami County; 10.4 from 8.7 for Linn County. The jobless rates dropped in December for Anderson County, 7.7 percent in November to 7.2 in December; Osage County, 7.8 to 7.3; and Douglas County, 6.0 to 5.5. There was no change in Coffey County’s unemployment rate of 5.8 percent. Kansas Department of Labor’s Sue Henke said the Kansas unemployment rate, adjusted for seasonal factors, remained the same in December as November at 6.8 percent. Business jobs increased barely, but other Kansas nonfarm employment had a net downturn in December, she said. Most of that nonfarm downtown is because of seasonal reasons, such as winter weather and school holidays, she said. Six of the 11 major industries in Kansas reported over-the-year job, said state labor economist Tyler Tenbrink. The construction industry experienced over-the-year job gains for the ninth consecutive month, he said. These gains were highest trade, transportation and utilities, he said. The highest job losses were in government-related jobs, finance, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality, he said.
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 3 p.m.
