Valley unemployment hit 10 percent in June

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Valley in June saw its first rise in unemployment all year.

Unemployment now stands at 10 percent, 0.6 percent higher than in May, but 1.4 percent lower than in June 2010.

The unemployment rate had fallen for four consecutive months.

More people worked in June (245,900) than in May (245,200), but there were 2,000 more who were considered unemployed.

The U.S. Department of Labor defines the civilian labor force as people 16 and older who are working or looking for work. It excludes members of the military, students and volunteer workers, as well as those who are in institutions, retired or unable to work.

Not counted in the statistics are those unemployed who have given up looking for work.

Read the complete story in Wednesday’s Vindicator and at Vindy.com