Ohio unemployment rises to 10.8 percent in May

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s unemployment rate has climbed further, one month after crossing into double digits for the first time in more than a quarter century.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported today that the state’s jobless rate in May was 10.8 percent, up from 10.2 percent in April.

Last month’s unemployment was the highest since October 1983 and was up 4.5 percentage points from the state’s May 2008 rate of 6.3 percent.

Department Director Douglas Lumpkin says May’s job gains in services were mostly offset by continued losses in manufacturing. He says unemployment rose as workers re-entered Ohio’s labor market and were unable to find jobs.

Officials say Ohio had 646,000 unemployed workers last month, up from 609,000 in April.