Mixed news for Valley unemployment rate

Mixed news for Valley unemployment rate

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A sizable drop in the unemployment rate within the Mahoning County for March was the result of both more employment and a smaller labor force.

The civilian labor force decreased by 4,000 to 262,000 compared to March 2011, according to data released today by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Employment in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties increased from 238,100 in March 2011 to 239,400 in March 2012, an increase of 1,300 jobs.

The number of unemployed dropped by 4,600 to 23,000 in the Mahoning Valley. This is a combination of people who have left the workforce by no longer looking for employment and the 1,300 new positions.

The unemployment rate is determined using individuals over the age of 16 who are working or seeking work. It excludes military personnel, those studying or staying home full-time, those who cannot work, are retired or are volunteer workers.