Unemployment increases in western UP

Employment numbers worsened in all western Upper Peninsula counties in January, according to the Michigan Labor Market Bureau.

Gogebic County’s unemployment rate rose from 5.5 percent in December to 6.7 percent in January.

The leap came despite 75 more people being employed in January. That was also balanced by 75 more unemployed persons, as well, as 100 more people entered the labor market. Total employment rose to 6,400 and unemployment has reached 450.

A year ago, the unemployment rate in Gogebic County was 8.1 percent.

The jobless rate in Ontonagon County rose a tick by one-tenth of a point, from 7.8 percent in December to 7.9 percent in January. The total unemployment number remained at 175 both months, while total employment fell 125 to 2,075.

The civilian labor market also fell from 2,375 to 2,250. A year ago, the Ontonagon unemployment figure was 10.7 percent. Labor market officials called the jobless rate rise “seasonal.”

Only two counties in the U.P, Keweenaw and Luce, improved.

Houghton  County had a January rate of 5.6 percent, up from December’s 4.7 percent. A year ago, it was 7.2 percent.

Baraga County recorded a 7.4 percent unemployment rate, compared to 6.7 percent in December. In December 2015, the rate was 10.3 percent.