TOPEKA — The Kansas unemployment rate increased in July. However, the jobless rate dropped for Franklin County and most counties surrounding Franklin County in July. Statewide, the unemployment went to 6.8 percent in July. The June unemployment rate was 6.7 percent. “Private sector jobs continued to grow last month — albeit at a snail’s pace,” said labor secretary Karin Brownlee. “However, we do recognize some encouraging signs in the job gains seen in both the construction and the education and health services areas.” According to July 2011 estimates, Kansas gained 2,400 private sector jobs over the month. Overall however, Kansas lost 18,600 nonfarm jobs over the month, a 1.4 percent decrease. Kansas experienced its second month of very slow growth in private nonfarm jobs, increasing the risk of a stagnant recovery in the labor market, said state labor economist Tyler Tenbrink. Despite the increase in the state rate, Franklin County’s jobless rate dropped to 8.8 percent in July from 9.2 percent in June. Miami County’s rate dropped to 7.5 percent from 7.7 percent. Linn County’s rate dropped to 10.2 percent from 11.4 percent. Osage County’s rate dropped to 8.6 percent from 8.8 percent. However, other surrounding counties showed an increase in the unemployment rate. Anderson County’s jobless rate was up to 7.9 percent in July from 7.6 percent in June. Also up were Douglas County, up to 6.4 percent from 6.3 percent. Coffey County, up 7.8 percent from 7.1 percent. Johnson County, up 6.2 percent, from 5.9 percent.
Monday, Aug. 22, 8 a.m.
