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Nevada's Jan. statewide jobless claims hold steady, rate rises in metro areas

Page Last Updated: Monday March 8, 2010 8:12am PST

The Silver State holds its rank as one of the top states for unemployment. Nevada's January unemployment rate remained unchanged from December at 13 percent, according to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).

"As usual, in January, employers made seasonal cuts to employment, though this year's decline was not as drastic as last year's," said William Anderson, chief economist for DETR. "In January 2009, job losses broke from long-term trend when employers cut 40,300 jobs in response to both seasonal and recessionary layoffs. This year's job loss is more in line with typical seasonal layoffs."

Unemployment figures for Reno-Sparks and Carson City rose one full percentage point. Reno-Sparks numbers jumped from 12.5 percent unemployment in December to 13.5 percent in January. Carson City's unemployment grew from 12.8 percent to 13.8 percent in the same time frame. The state's largest metropolitan area, Las Vegas, also saw a slight increase from 13 percent in December to 13.8 percent in January.

Experts say season's employment trends are typical. More than 4,000 retail holiday positions were lost from December to January. Anderson says this was the smallest change in the past 10 years, as fewer workers were needed to staff stores.

Nevada Senator Harry Reid Monday made the following statement on Nevada's unemployment rate for January 2010:

"While Nevada's unemployment situation didn't worsen, it's clear there's more work ahead when it comes to helping those who are struggling, creating jobs, and getting our economy back on track. It's also clear that the economic recovery act, or stimulus bill, prevented things from getting even worse. But that's not enough for workers who can't find a job, which is why we are taking action.

"By focusing on a combination of tax incentives for small businesses and investment in job-creating projects, I led the Senate in passing the first of several bills in our jobs agenda. Further, last week, President Obama signed into law a bill that will provide a significant boost to Nevada's number one industry. By using the LVCVA's model for Las Vegas, the Travel Promotion Act will market the U.S. around the globe as a tourist destination. When more people are traveling to Nevada and spending their money here, our state's economy thrives.

"Having grown up in a family that didn't always know whether there would be food on the table, I am all too familiar with how out-of-work Nevadans are struggling. I promise I'll continue to do everything I can to create jobs and get Nevada's economy moving again."

-News 4's Shelley Kudelka and MyNews4.com provided this report.

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COMMENTS

G .

March 8, 2010 10:27pm PST

Mark as Offensive

Harry Ried is just making "talking points" which have nothing to do with the reality the USA and Nevada are faceing.
The ONLY way we will start to recover from this recession is through a "Stable Government" which the Democrats cannot offer. They are in a complete state of panic. The Progressives have overwhelmed the old Democrats and want socialism or worse.
This is a good time to make sure you know what is hapening.