INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): Indiana’s unemployment rate is now higher than the national average.
New numbers from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development show that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April 2016 is 5.2 percent, a 0.2 percent increase from last month. The national average is currently at 5.0 percent.
Despite the dip, they say that Indiana has gained more than 150,000 private sector jobs since 2013.
“More than 80,000 Hoosiers joined the workforce in the last four months, which doubles Indiana’s labor force growth for all of 2015,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
Additionally, initial unemployment insurance claims remain at their lowest level since the early 1970s. Meanwhile total private employment increased 12,000 jobs over the month, with a gain of 46,600 jobs over the course of the year.
Senator Dan Coats released a statement about the unemployment rates. He said Indiana offers a pro-growth environment.
“Our talented Hoosier workforce and our state’s pro-growth policies continue to set Indiana apart,” Senator Dan Coats said.”Today’s report shows that Indiana’s private sector employment has increased to its highest level ever and labor force participation continues to outpace the national rate.”
Indiana total private employment increased 12,000 over the month, with a gain of 46,600 over the year. #INemployment
— WorkOneWorks (@WorkOneWorks) May 20, 2016
Indiana Economy Sets New Employment Record in April https://t.co/8IClK0nuDJ
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) May 20, 2016
