Delaware’s unemployment rate rose another one-tenth of one percent between May and June to 4.7. The increase came as more people entered the workforce.
The jobless rate in the state had dropped as low as 4.5 percent on April.
The number of unemployed stood at 21,600, compared to 26,500 in June 2014.
Job growth has averaged about 2 percent in Delaware, slightly below the national rate of 2.1 percent.
Despite the increase for two consecutive months, a report from the Delaware Department of Labor noted that the unemployment rate was still down by a half a percent from a year ago.
Another positive sign, according to the state Labor Department was an increase in the closely watched workforce participation rate. In Delaware, that figure went from 61.3 percent in December 2014 to 62 percent in June. By contrast the national figure dropped by one-tenth of one percent during that figure.
The gains also came in spite of Delaware having a higher percentage of elderly residents than the nation as a whole. Twenty two percent of Delawareans are older than 65. This is higher than the national average of 18.5 percent
Anecdotal evidence suggests shortages have cropped up in some categories, with employers having to step up recruitment efforts.
The report noted that 2,600 jobs have been created between January and June 2015 in Delaware.
That figure was revised upward. The number could increase further as more detailed payroll information comes into the department.
Job categories showing growth were professional and business services, up 2,4000 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, up 2,800 and education and health, up 1,300 jobs. Construction employment was up by 1,000 over the past year.
Retail and wholesale trade employment was down by 1,500 jobs, perhaps a reflection of purchases being made online. Manufacturing employment was flat.
Government employment was up 200 jobs. State government employment remained unchanged as the Delaware struggles with budget issues.
