Most Mich. regional jobless rates increase in June

LANSING (AP) -- The state says seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates increased in most regions of Michigan in June as people continued to seek seasonal jobs. The figures released last week by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget show jobless rates increased in 15 of the state's 17 major regional labor markets compared to May. Statewide, the unadjusted jobless rate in June was 11 percent, up from 10.3 percent in May. Rates ranged from a low of 7.7 percent in the Ann Arbor region to a high of 11.7 percent in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. The state says payroll jobs rose more than usual in June because of gains in leisure and hospitality services and construction. The state says hiring in those sectors was curtailed in April and May, mostly due to poor weather. Published: Wed, Aug 3, 2011