12:05pm | Long Beach’s unemployment rate dipped below the 13 percent mark in April, dropping to 12.9 percent in April from 13.4 percent in March, according to a report issued Friday by the Employment Development Department.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Los Angeles County fell over the month to 12.1 percent in April 2011 from a revised 12.3 percent in March 2011 and was below the rate of 12.4 percent one year ago, according to the EDD report.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 11.9 percent in April 2011, 12 V in March 2011, and 12.4 percent a year ago in April 2010. The comparable estimates for the nation were 9 percent in April, 8.8 percent in March and 9.8 percent a year ago.
April’s drop for Long Beach marks continued improvement for the city. An EDD report issued in April showed the unemployment rate in March edged down slightly in Long Beach from 13.5 percent to 13.4 percent , in step with a countywide drop. See last month’s story.
In Los Angeles County, leisure and hospitality had the largest gain with an increase of 5,200 jobs over the month. Trade, transportation, and utilities added 3,500 jobs over the month. Educational and health services posted a gain of 3,000 jobs. Health care and social assistance led the way with an increase of 2,400 jobs.
The three industries that lost jobs over the month were financial activities (down 1,300), government (down 1,200) and professional and business services (down 1,100).
Long Beach’s 12.9 percent equates to 30,700 people in the city on unemployment. Unemployment in surrounding cities varied in April. Bellflower’s unemployment rate was 11.9 percent, Cerritos unemployment rate was 6.4 percent, Compton’s unemployment rate was 19.8 percent , Downey’s rate was 9.5 percent and Lakewood’s unemployment rate was 11.6 percent.
Year-to-year, L.A. County’s total nonfarm employment increased by 23,500 jobs, according to the EDD report. The largest year-over change was in information, which added 20,000 jobs. Educational and health services expanded by 12,900 jobs.
An important sector for Long Beach, Leisure and hospitality added 8,300.