Michigan's regional jobless rates dropped in April

LANSING (AP) -- The state says seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates in all regions of Michigan dropped in April as seasonal hiring picked up. The figures released recently by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget show jobless rates down in all 17 major regional labor markets compared to March. Total employment levels increased moderately in most regions, and labor force levels declined in all areas. Statewide, the unadjusted jobless rate in April was 10.1 percent, down from 11 percent in March. Rates ranged from a low of 6.2 percent in the Ann Arbor region to a high of 13.2 in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. The northeast and northwest Lower Michigan regions saw the largest decreases. Statewide, job gains were reported in leisure and hospitality services, construction and professional and business services. Published: Mon, May 30, 2011