Local unemployment down

youngstown

Mahoning Valley unemployment continued to decline last month compared to 2009 as employers showed signs of cautious optimism.

The combined unemployment rate for Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties was 12 percent in June, down from 13.9 percent in the same month last year, the state reported Tuesday.

Area unemployment increased slightly from 11.8 percent in May 2010, but joblessness remains below the 2010 high of 14.5 percent recorded in March.

“I think there is a much more optimistic attitude,” said Jessica Borza, chief operating officer for One-Stop employment agencies in Mahoning and Columbiana counties. “Business seems to be picking up.”

Still, hiring is slow as employers remain cautious about the economy’s stability, she said.

For the full story, read Wednesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.