Butte’s jobless rate up slightly

Once again, the turmoil left by the Camp Fire has shown up in labor numbers for Butte County.

Labor information released last week by the state Employment Development Department showed fewer people in the labor force in November, perhaps reflecting those who have left the area. The labor force was down by 1,000 in November, from 104,400 in October to 103,400.

The state estimated there were about 99,300 people employed in industrial or non-home employment in November. That number has fluctuated from more than 100,000 in October 2018 to around 96,400 in August. Likely accounting for the increase include residents going back to work, finding new work, or employers filling their vacancies.

In November, Butte County’s unemployment stood at 4 percent, rising from 3.8 percent in October, with more than 4,100 residents out of work but looking.

Butte County’s unemployment rate had been steadily declining before the Camp Fire.

Industries showing yearover job growth in Butte County included construction, utilities, and “other services,” which includes repair and maintenance services from automotive and electronic to machinery.

The “other services” sector showed steady growth over 2019, which, in October 2018, showed about 4,700, and in November, 5,200 individuals. Possibly, residents who were employees at burned-out shops were able to open their own businesses and continue working.

However, individuals employed in construction or utilities who came from outside the area to work in the Camp Fire recovery would have been counted in the counties where their employers were based, rather than here.

With the holidays here, retail employers were hiring in November, but not at great amounts. Retail employment was at 11,000 in October, growing to 11,200 in November.

Statewide, the unemployment rate in California was at 3.7 percent for November and October.