Feb. 4, 2004 - New on-line service more customer friendly

FRANKFORT  — A new on-line option for filing for Kentucky unemployment insurance (UI) benefits now makes the process more customer friendly. The new service from the Kentucky Department for Employment Services (DES) called KEWES or Kentucky’s Electronic Workplace for Employment Services lets people file new claims and register for work without visiting a DES office.

“Unemployment insurance claimants can file their claim anywhere that they can use an Internet-connected computer. This eliminates the need to visit a local office to file an unemployment insurance claim. On-line claim filing has been developed to ensure that job registration and job search requirements are met by each claimant,” said DES Commissioner James Thompson.

To use the on-line service, go to www.kewes.ky.gov and click on the Unemployment Benefits – Claim Filing option. Claimants will need to fill out information such as social security number, home address and work history to successfully file for unemployment benefits. 

Claimants who do not have access to the Internet or who speak Spanish can contact the DES office or One-Stop center in their area for information on filing their claim by telephone.

Earlier phases of KEWES connected employers to services such as submitting quarterly tax reports and paying unemployment taxes through the Internet. While KEWES on-line service is now available to employers, job seekers and UI claimants, Kentuckians still have the option of going to a local DES office or one-stop career center for assistance.

“KEWES eliminates paperwork and the need to reenter duplicate data. It also gives DES staff more time to devote to other customer services such as working with job seekers, screening applicants for employers and matching job seekers with employers’ needs,” Thompson said.

DES is an agency in the Education Cabinet.

Feb. 3, 2004 - Kentucky’s unemployment rate drops to 5.4 percent in December

EDITORS NOTE: December county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/Dec_03_charts.pdf.  Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see page 3.

FRANKFORT — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 percent in December from a revised 5.6 percent in November, according to the Department for Employment Services, a department of the Education Cabinet.

The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate for December 2002 was 5.5 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate also declined in December to 5.7 percent from 5.9 percent in November, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

“This is the lowest unemployment rate Kentucky has experienced since January 2003 when it was 5.3 percent,” said Carlos Cracraft, the department's chief labor market analyst.

Four of the 10 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors had employment increases in December, while six decreased, Cracraft said. A monthly survey of business establishments revealed that Kentucky’s nonfarm employment fell by 400 on a seasonally adjusted basis to December’s 1,774,400 employees.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the manufacturing sector rose by 600 employees in December. Compared to December 2002, the sector had 4,500 fewer employees in December 2003.

“December marked only the fourth month during 2003 that the manufacturing sector has added employment,” said Cracraft.

The professional and business services employment rebounded in December with 500 more employees than in November. This sector had 1,200 more employees in December 2003 than in December 2002.

The financial activities sector rose by 400 jobs in December. This sector, which includes establishments involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has lost 200 jobs since December 2002.

Kentucky’s information sector recorded a gain of 200 employees in December. This sector, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities and broadcasting and news syndication, had the same level of employment in December 2002 and December 2003.

On the negative side, the other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance places, personal and laundry services, religious organizations, and civic and professional organizations, lost 700 jobs in December. Over the past 12 months, the sector has had 2,000 fewer employees.

The educational and health services sector reported 400 fewer jobs in December than in November. Since December 2002, the sector has added 2,300 jobs.

The trade, transportation and utilities sector reported a decline of 200 jobs in December. This sector includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities businesses, and warehousing, and is the largest sector in Kentucky with 366,600 employees. Since December 2002, the sector has lost 100 employees.

Kentucky’s leisure and hospitality sector reported 200 fewer jobs in December. Since December 2002, the sector has added 100 employees.

In December 2003, the government sector, which includes public education, dropped by 200 jobs. Since December 2002, this sector has decreased by 3,300 jobs.

Kentucky’s construction sector fell by 100 jobs in December after adding employment during the last fourth months. Since December 2002, the sector has fallen by 2,100 jobs.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for December 2003 was 1,886,688 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 6,268 from the 1,880,420 employed in November 2003, and up 36,178 from the 1,850,510 employed in December 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for December 2003 was 108,616. This figure is down 2,130 from the 110,746 unemployed in November 2003, but up 410 from the 108,206 Kentuckians unemployed in December 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for December 2003 was 1,995,304. This figure is up 4,138 from the 1,991,166 recorded in November 2003, and up 36,588 from the 1,958,716 recorded for December 2002. 

December 2003 County Unemployment Rates

Unemployment rates fell in 66 Kentucky counties between December 2002 and December 2003, rose in 49 and remained the same in Ballard, Crittenden, Grayson, Hardin and Woodford counties.

In December 2003, four counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and six counties recorded double-digit rates in December 2002.

Metcalfe and Woodford counties’ 2.3 percent jobless rates were the lowest in the commonwealth. Other low rates were recorded in Oldham County, 2.5 percent; Franklin County, 2.9 percent; Fayette County, 3 percent; Shelby County, 3.2 percent; Todd County, 3.3 percent; Jessamine County, 3.4 percent; and Anderson and Marion counties, 3.5 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 13.6 percent.  It was followed by Fulton County, 10.8 percent; Lewis County, 10.7 percent; Russell County, 10.4 percent; Cumberland and Powell counties, 9.9 percent each; Breathitt County, 9.2 percent; Carter County, 9.1 percent; Carlisle and Letcher counties, 9 percent each.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.  Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted.  Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings.  Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.  However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

February Public Meetings Notice

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2004) - The following meetings have been scheduled. It is advisable to confirm times and dates before traveling to meetings. People with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by contacting the specified staff person at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Feb. 5, 2004

10 a.m. Kentucky Tech Personnel Board, Capital Plaza Tower, Second Floor Conference Room, 500 Mero St., Frankfort. Contact: Bill Denton, (502) 564-4286.

Feb. 12, 2004

9 a.m. Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (KWIB) committee meetings, Capital Plaza Tower, Ground Floor Auditorium, 500 Mero St., Frankfort. Contact: Nancy Laprade, (502) 564-6606.

10:30 a.m. Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (KWIB), Capital Plaza Tower, Ground Floor Auditorium, 500 Mero St., Frankfort. Contact: (see above.)

Feb. 18, 2004

10 a.m. Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network Board, Charles W. McDowell Rehabilitation Center, 8412 Westport Road, Louisville. Contact: Maureen Forrester, (800) 327-5287.

Feb. 19, 2004

·2 p.m. Charles W. McDowell Rehabilitation Center Advisory Board, Charles W. McDowell Rehabilitation Center, 8412 Westport Road, Louisville. Contact: Derrick Cox, (502) 327-6010.

Feb. 20, 2004

9:30 a.m. Department for the Blind State Rehabilitation Council, Holiday Inn Capital Plaza, 405 Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort. Contact: Trina Roberts, (502) 564-4754.

Dec. 23, 2003 - Kentucky’s unemployment rate at 5.5 percent in November

EDITORS NOTE: November county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/news_pub/November_03_charts.pdf. Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the bottom of the page.

FRANKFORT  — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 5.5 percent in November from a revised 5.6 percent in October, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency.

The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate for November 2002 was also 5.5 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate also declined in November to 5.9 percent from 6 percent in October, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Even the national unemployment rate fell, Kentucky’s 5.5 percent unemployment rate in November was still below the national rate. November marked the 20^th consecutive month that our unemployment rate has been lower than the U.S. unemployment rate,” said Carlos Cracraft, the department's chief labor market analyst.

Six of the 10 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors had employment increases in November, while four declined, Cracraft said. A monthly survey of business establishments revealed that Kentucky’s nonfarm employment jumped by 1,700 on a seasonally adjusted basis to November’s 1,775,000 employees.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the leisure and hospitality sector reported the largest gain with 1,200 more jobs in November. Since November 2002, the sector has added 1,000 employees.

The educational and health services sector continued its upward climb in November with 700 more jobs. Since November 2002, the sector has added 3,600 jobs. “November marked the third consecutive month that this sector has added employment, adding some 3,800 jobs since the end of August 2003,” Cracraft said.

In November 2003, the government sector, which includes public education, grew by 400 jobs. Since November 2002, this sector has decreased by 4,000 jobs.

Kentucky’s construction sector added 300 jobs in November marking the fourth straight month that this sector has added employment. Since November 2002, the sector has fallen by 1,600 jobs.

The financial activities sector rose by 300 jobs in November. This sector, which includes establishments involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has lost 100 jobs since November 2002.

The other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance places, personal and laundry services, religious organizations, and civic and professional organizations, added 100 jobs in November. Over the past 12 months, the sector has lost 2,500 jobs.

On the other side of the ledger, the trade, transportation and utilities sector reported the biggest decline in November with a decrease of 1,600 jobs. This sector includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities businesses, and warehousing, and is the largest sector in Kentucky with 366,500 employees. Since November 2002, the sector has lost 3,200 employees.

Employment in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector fell by 1,200 from October to November. Since November 2002, the sector has shrunk by 5,200 jobs.

The professional and business services employment had 300 fewer employees in November. This sector had the same employment number in November 2003 and November 2002.

Kentucky’s information sector counted 100 fewer employees in November. This sector, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities and broadcasting and news syndication, had the same level of employment in November 2002 and November 2003.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for November 2003 was 1,880,496 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is down 1,841 from the 1,882,337 employed in October 2003, but up 27,810 from the 1,852,686 employed in November 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for November 2003 was 109,281. This figure is down 2,217 from the 111,498 unemployed in October 2003, but up 2,181 from the 107,100 Kentuckians unemployed in November 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for November 2003 was 1,989,777. This figure is down 4,058 from the 1,993,835 recorded in October 2003, but up 29,991 from the 1,959,786 recorded for November 2002. 

November 2003 County Unemployment Rates

Unemployment rates fell in 66 Kentucky counties between November 2002 and November 2003, rose in 49 and remained the same in Barren, Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin and Nelson counties.

In November 2003, three counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and six counties recorded double-digit rates in November 2002.

Metcalfe County’s 2.2 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth. Other low rates were recorded in Woodford County, 2.3 percent; Oldham County, 2.6 percent; Todd County, 2.8 percent; Franklin County, 2.9 percent; Fayette County, 3 percent; Anderson County, 3.2 percent; Jessamine and Shelby counties, 3.4 percent each; and Scott County, 3.5 percent.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 12 percent.  It was followed by Fulton County, 10.9 percent; Lewis County, 10.3 percent; Harlan and Russell counties, 9.6 percent each; Letcher County, 9.4 percent; Hickman County, 9 percent; Powell County, 8.9 percent; and Breathitt and Carlisle counties, 8.7 percent each.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.  Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted.  Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings.  Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.  However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

Dec. 8, 2003 - State agency presents Workforce Investment Act awards

EDITORS NOTE: Photographs of award winners are available to download for print at http://www.workforce.ky.gov/DTR_award_photos_03.htm

FRANKFORT — Kentucky Department for Training and ReEmployment (DTR) Commissioner Susan Craft and Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (KWIB) Chair Ken Oilschlager presented awards to seven alumni of state employment and training programs at a recent ceremony in Lexington. The Kentuckians were honored for overcoming educational, financial and personal obstacles to become employed.

The WIA awards are sponsored by DTR, a Cabinet for Workforce Development (CWD) agency.

Awards also were presented to two professionals, two employers, three programs and two partners involved in education and training programs funded by WIA.

Information on award winners follows.

WIA Alumni Excellence Award

Daniel Baird of Williamsburg was 17 years old when his father died leaving him and his two younger brothers without parents. They lived for a while with a guardian but the arrangement was not successful and Baird left the home when he turned 18. With help from the Cumberlands WIA Youth Opportunity Unlimited Program in Whitley County, he got custody of his youngest brother and arranged for his other brother to live with an aunt. The program also helped him get a job, rent an apartment, qualify for financial aid for school and enroll in Eastern Kentucky University.

Johnny Collins of Weeksburg was trying to support his family on $6,000 a year when he decided to become an underground coal miner. He could not get a permanent full-time job because he lacked experience. With help from the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program Inc., he got experience through a WIA on-the-job training program with Starlight Coal Company in Allen. He became a certified underground miner and was hired by the company full time in 2002. Since then he has become a certified mining electrician and welder, been promoted to head electrician and repairman and now earns more than five times the salary he had before enrolling in the on-the-job training program.

Jeremy Davis of Horse Cave spent the first 12 years of his life moving from foster home to foster home and having difficulty in school. In the fourth grade, Davis was placed in the Metcalfe County School District and remained there until he graduated. At 14, his parents’ rights were terminated and he was adopted. His attitude improved and he became interested in computer technology. Through the Barren River WIA youth program, he started working with computers for the Metcalfe County Board of Education where he gained experience in computer repair and programming and earned a Microsoft Hardware A Plus certification. Now Davis is working on a degree in network programming at Bowling Green Technical College.

Betty Gaines of Alpha had worked at OshGosh B’Gosh in Albany for three years when she was laid off in January 2002. After trying unsuccessfully to find a job, Gaines sought help from the Cumberland WIA Dislocated Worker Program to pursue her dream of becoming a dog groomer and owning a shop. Gaines graduated from Nash Academy of Animal Arts in Lexington in December 2002 and opened her Dogie D Tails shop in Monticello in January 2003. The shop has been so successful that Gaines recently had to hire another groomer for the shop.

Cindy Payne of LaGrange had four children and was going through a divorce when she came to KentuckianaWorks for financial help to go to school. Through WIA funding, Payne graduated from Spencerian College as a licensed practical nurse and now works for Baptist Hospital East in Louisville.

Kathy Terry of Langley was a divorced single mother of two who had dropped out of high school and was on welfare. She earned a GED and an office systems degree from Hazard Community College but she was still having trouble finding a job. She entered Mayo Technical College’s licensed practical nurse program and learned she was eligible for WIA assistance through the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program. After a semester at Mayo Technical College, she was accepted into the registered nursing program at Hazard Community College and WIA continued to fund the tuition, books and transportation to school. Terry now works for Pikeville Methodist Hospital as a registered nurse and plans to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree.

Roberta Wolford of Phelps was close to dropping out of college for the third time when she sought help at the Pike County JobSight, a comprehensive one-stop workforce center. WIA funding for tuition, books, transportation and other basic needs allowed her to finish an associate degree in medical assisting. She now works as a medical assisting instructor at the Pikeville Campus of the National College of Business and Technology where she once took classes.

WIA Excellence in Customer Service Award

Dinah Campbell of Hazard works as the Rapid Response Team coordinator at the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program Inc. (EKCEP). In the past year, the team has held meetings involving 39 employers and about 1,600 laid-off employees. Campbell’s nomination cited her caring attitude and knowledge from 31 years in various positions with EKCEP.

Outstanding WIA Customer Service Awards

Shirlene Taylor of Russell Springs is a business liaison for the Cumberlands WIA. Her nomination cited her excellent work skills and positive attitude and said she was chosen for the new position of business liaison because of her communication skills and industrious drive.

WIA Employer Excellence Award

National Processing Co. (NPC) of Louisville has accessed Rapid Response services through Career Resource Inc., an area one-stop provider, during planned layoffs. The company has been committed to additional outplacement and career assistance to employees who were laid off. NPC has given employees up to four months notice of layoffs, provided two-hour interviewing skills workshops during work hours, and severance pay with insurance.

Outstanding WIA Employer Awards

Sandsbury Care Center of St. Catherine has been a long-time partner for many of the youth employment programs in the Springfield Local Youth Networking Center (LYNC). In addition to offering training in areas such as certified nursing assistant, the center assists youth in learning employability and interview skills.

WIA Program Excellence Award

Pendleton County One-Stop of Falmouth is the only employment services provider in the county. The center offers resume writing assistance, job search, job readiness workshops, computer training, job match and placement assistance, basic skill instruction and skill assessment tests.

Outstanding WIA Program Awards

KRA Corp. of Somerset has developed an individualized approach to providing services and working with students to meet their training needs. Among the services offered are assistance with reading, writing and math skills, job readiness preparation, career counseling, independent and basic life skills training, and community resources information.

Monroe County Board of Education of Tompkinsville provides in-school and out-of-school services for the community’s students who need help with basic education and employability skills. In-school students meet for an hour after school for assistance while out-of-school students access the Kentucky Virtual University’s PLATO on-line classes at local learning centers.

WIA Partnership Excellence Award

Brain Gain Alliance of Louisville involves non-profit and for-profit organizations in a regional Web site that makes searching for career opportunities and/or searching for qualified job candidates easier for both job seekers and employers.  Partners include Career Resources Inc., KentuckianaWorks, Greater Louisville Inc. and MyCareerNetwork.

Outstanding WIA Partnership Award

Right Choice Partners of Hopkinsville assists non-custodial parents who are behind in child support payments to become employed and financially support their children. It provides a court advocate to the non-custodial parent to develop a court-approved work plan, plus job search assistance, job readiness skills, short-term training services and other support services.

Dec. 3, 2003 - Kentucky’s unemployment rate falls in October to second lowest rate of the year

EDITORS NOTE: October county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://www.workforce.ky.gov/news_pub/Oct_03_charts.pdf. Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the bottom of the page.

FRANKFORT — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate tumbled to 5.5 percent in October, the second lowest jobless rate of the year, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency.

Kentucky’s September jobless rate was 5.9 percent. The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate for October 2002 was 5.4 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate also declined in October to 6 percent from 6.1 percent in September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Kentucky’s 5.5 percent unemployment rate in October is the lowest rate Kentucky has experienced since a 5.3 percent jobless rate recorded in January 2003. October marked the 19^th consecutive month that our unemployment rate has been lower than the U.S. unemployment rate,” said Carlos Cracraft, the department's chief labor market analyst.

“On another positive note, average weekly claims for unemployment insurance decreased from 32,872 in September 2003 to 27,490 in October 2003,” Cracraft said.

Seven of the 10 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors had employment increases in October, while two declined and one stayed the same, Cracraft said. A monthly survey of business establishments revealed that Kentucky’s nonfarm employment jumped by 5,600 on a seasonally adjusted basis to October’s 1,772,900 employees.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the trade, transportation and utilities sector reported the biggest improvement with an increase of 2,800 jobs. This sector includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities businesses, and warehousing, and is the largest sector in Kentucky with 368,300 employees. Since October 2002, the sector has lost 3,600 employees.

“October marked the first month since August and only the third month during the year that this sector has recorded an employment gain,” said Cracraft.

The leisure and hospitality sector gained 1,500 jobs in October. Since October 2002, the sector has added 500 employees.

In September 2003, educational and health services sector continued its upward climb in October with 1,100 more jobs. Since October 2002, the sector has added 3,700 jobs.

Kentucky’s information sector rose by 700 employees in October, showing its first gain since April 2003. This sector, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities and broadcasting and news syndication, increased by 400 employees from October 2002 to October 2003.

The other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance places, personal and laundry services, religious organizations, and civic and professional organizations, added 300 jobs in October. Over the past 12 months, the sector has lost 2,500 jobs.

The construction sector added 200 jobs in October marking the third consecutive month that this sector has added employment. Since October 2002, the sector has fallen by 1,600 jobs.

Employment in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector rose by 200 from September to October. Since October 2002, the sector has shrunk by 5,200 jobs.

The professional and business services employment remained at 154,800 from September to October. This sector had 200 more jobs in October 2003 than in October 2002.

On the negative side, the government sector, which includes public education, lost 800 jobs from September to October. Since October 2002, this sector has decreased by 4,000 jobs.

The financial activities sector declined by 300 jobs in October. This sector, which includes establishments involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has lost 400 jobs since October 2002.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for October 2003 was 1,882,185 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 703 from the 1,881,482 employed in September 2003, and up 28,313 from the 1,853,872 employed in October 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for October 2003 was 110,443. This figure is down 6,726 from the 117,169 unemployed in September 2003, and up 4,785 from the 105,658 Kentuckians unemployed in October 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for October 2003 was 1,992,628. This figure is down 6,023 from the 1,998,651 recorded in September 2003, but down 33,098 from the 1,959,530 recorded for October 2002. 

October 2003 County Unemployment Rates

Unemployment rates rose in 65 Kentucky counties between October 2002 and October 2003, fell in 48 and remained the same in Fleming, Graves, Jackson, Johnson, Oldham, Trigg and Whitley counties.

In October 2003, five counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and five counties recorded double-digit rates in October 2002.

Woodford and Oldham counties’ 2.8 percent jobless rate each were the lowest in the commonwealth. Other low rates were recorded in Metcalfe County, 3 percent; Anderson County, 3.1 percent; Franklin County, 3.2 percent; Fayette, Jessamine and Todd counties, 3.3 percent each; Larue and Rockcastle counties, 3.4 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 13 percent.  It was followed by Fulton County, 11.2 percent; Harlan County, 10.5 percent; Carlisle County, 10.1 percent; Adair County, 10 percent; Letcher County, 9.9 percent; Ballard and Nicholas counties, 9.3 percent each; Carter County, 9.2 percent; and Breathitt, Elliott and Russell counties, 9.1 percent each.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.  Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted.  Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings.  Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.  However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

Nov. 21, 2003 - State agency, TV partnership keeps phones ringing

FRANKFORT — The atmosphere resembles a telethon but instead of people calling in to donate money to a charity, job seekers and employers are contacting Department for Employment Services (DES) workers operating an on-air phone bank on WAVE-3 Job Market Monday.

On the first program November 3, the promotion was supposed to last during the Louisville station’s evening news broadcast from 5-7 p.m., but the calls kept coming. The DES staff took more than 150 calls and about 125 emails at WAVE-3.com from job seekers and employers and made nearly 50 referrals to employers for interviews. Out of those referrals, at least six job seekers were hired that week by two employers.

On the second and third Mondays in November the staff has continued to take inquiries at a fast pace. Nearly 1,000 calls have been taken for all three Mondays. Nineteen employers have mentioned the program when they placed a total of 234 job orders with the Louisville DES office, so the show has had a positive impact on both job seekers and employers. DES is an agency of the Cabinet for Workforce Development.

Jack Howard, DES regional administrator for the Northern Kentucky Administrative Area, which includes Louisville, said the first WAVE-3 Job Market Monday “exceeded our expectations. We never thought we would get the number of callers we got or so many positive outcomes.”

WAVE-TV Station Manager Jeff Hoffman said he is not surprised at the response because he had a similar program in another television market and it was well received. Job Market Monday works in conjunction with the station’s Job Link resource page on its Web site.

Hoffman said since Job Market Monday started, he has seen an upswing in the number of people visiting the Job Link site and an increase in the amount of time they are using it.

“Folks are calling because they need a change; they need a job. They’re not calling just to talk on the phone. There’s urgency when they call and we’re meeting that need,” said Howard.

During the three weeks Job Market Monday has been on the air, Hoffman said the response has been tremendous. “I have passed by the phone bank on Tuesday morning and they’re still ringing. People are really taking advantage of this,” Hoffman said.

Job seekers are asking about a wide variety of jobs in all fields including professional positions such as electrical engineering. “Everything from students who need a stop-gap job to incumbent workers who are looking for a change and everyone in between” are calling the program, Howard said.

The venture has been so successful that Howard and Hoffman want to continue Job Market Mondays after November.  “It provides another access point for job services. The more venues we provide for the community the better off the community is,” Howard said. “It makes people aware that we’re not just unemployment insurance services. We provide employment services, too.”

Job Market Monday has spread the word in the community about the free services that DES offers. “After being on WAVE-TV for two hours, now they understand that we’re here five days a week for help. Also, they now know we have extended hours,” Howard said.

Job seekers can call WAVE-3 Job Market Monday between 5-7 p.m. at 1-502-571-3333 or go online at wave3.com. For assistance at the DES Louisville office at Kentuckiana Works One-Stop Center at 600 Cedar St., call 502-595-0099. Outside of Louisville, you can call or visit your local DES office for services.

FRANKFORT - Darren Jones, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) teacher at Meade County Area Technology Center (ATC), was named one of the top six HVAC teachers by two national groups.

The ACHR (Air Conditioning/Heating/Refrigeration) News and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) sponsored the 2002-03 Best Instructor of the Year, naming Jones as an honorable mention, which placed him in the top six HVAC teachers honored nationwide.

Jones, a former Meade County ATC student who’s been teaching HVAC at the school for nine years, said the nomination and the award touched him. “I was deeply moved to learn that a former student took the time to nominate me for this award,” said Jones. “I attribute my success to the people who have helped shape, guide and motivate me as an individual … I feel truly blessed to work at such a great school.”

In the Oct. 27 issue of The ACHR News, Jones was featured with the other five honorees.

The article stated that Jones and the other teachers were recognized for “their outstanding work with students and their efforts to elevate the educational level for all members of the HVACR industry.”

The ACHR News also profiled Jones, citing his successes in SkillsUSA-VICA competitions at regional, state and national levels. One of his students placed second in this year’s HVAC competition at the national SkillsUSA-VICA level. (SkillsUSA-VICA showcases secondary students’ career and technical education skills.)

His students also recently won a national time capsule contest sponsored by ARI, and Jones’ students received high marks on the Industry Competency Exams. One student scored 90 percent on the exam, a score that exceeded the average of all scores on the exam. The student was rewarded a $2,000 scholarship.

Jones’ students also went to the University of Northwestern Ohio for scholarship testing, and one of the students ranked first among students from nine states. In addition, six seniors passed the Environmental Protection Administration certification tests and two earned universal certification.

The ACHR News article said these successes are “proof that Jones is on the right track when it comes to educating future members of the industry. That is one reason why he earned an honorable mention in The (ACHR) News Instructor of the Year contest.”

The Department for Technical Education (DTE), an agency of the Kentucky Cabinet for Workforce Development, administers the Meade County ATC along with 52 other area technology centers. These are secondary schools that offer hands-on training in such fields as business, graphics, construction, manufacturing, automotive and information technologies and health and human services.

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Oct. 30, 2003 - Kentucky’s unemployment rate stays the same from August to September

EDITORS NOTE: September county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://www.workforce.ky.gov/news_pub/Sept_charts_03.pdf. Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see bottom of the page.

FRANKFORT — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 5.8 percent from August to September, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency. The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate for September 2002 was 5.4 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate in September remained at 6.1 percent from August to September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Kentucky’s unemployment rate continues to be below the national jobless rate. September was the 18^th consecutive month that our unemployment rate has been lower than the U.S. unemployment rate,” said Carlos Cracraft, the department's chief labor market analyst.

Six of the 10 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors had employment decreases in September, while three recorded increases and one stayed the same, Cracraft said. A monthly survey of business establishments revealed that Kentucky’s nonfarm employment fell by 2,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis to September’s 1,766,200 employees.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the leisure and hospitality sector recorded a 1,800-job drop in September. Since September 2002, the sector has lost 1,100 employees.

The government sector, which includes public education, lost 1,300 jobs from August to September. Since September 2002, this sector has decreased by 3,400 jobs.

In September 2003, the trade, transportation and utilities sector declined by 600 jobs. This sector includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities businesses, and warehousing, and is the largest sector in Kentucky with 365,300 employees. Since September 2002, the sector has lost 5,000 employees.

The financial activities sector had 400 fewer employees in September than in August. This sector, which includes establishments involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has lost 1,200 jobs since September 2002.

The information sector edged downward by 200 employees in September. This sector, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities and broadcasting and news syndication, declined by 600 employees from September 2002 to September 2003.

The other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance places, personal and laundry services, religious organizations, and civic and professional organizations, decreased by 200 jobs in September. Over the past 12 months, the sector has lost 2,600 jobs.

Employment in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector remained unchanged from August to September. Since September 2002, the sector has shrunk by 3,400 jobs.

On the positive side of the ledger, the educational and health services sector employment jumped by 1,200 jobs in September. Since September 2002, the sector has added 3,000 jobs.

Employment in the professional and business services sector rose by 500 jobs in September. This sector has declined by 1,000 workers since September 2002.

The construction sector added 400 jobs in September. Since September 2002, the sector has fallen by 2,200 jobs.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for September 2003 was 1,881,070 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 7,255 from the 1,873,815 employed in August 2003, and up 27,545 from the 1,853,525 employed in September 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for September 2003 was 116,274. This figure is up 969 from the 115,305 unemployed in August 2003, and up 9,597 from the 106,677 Kentuckians unemployed in September 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for September 2003 was 1,997,344. This figure is up 8,224 from the 1,989,120 recorded in August 2003, and up 37,142 from the 1,960,202 recorded for September 2002. 

September 2003 County Unemployment Rates

Unemployment rates rose in 68 Kentucky counties between September 2002 and September 2003, fell in 47 and remained the same in Bullitt, Hart, Johnson, McCreary and Mercer counties.

In September 2003, six counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and four counties recorded double-digit rates in September 2002.

Metcalfe County’s 2.6 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth.  Other low rates were recorded in Woodford County, 2.8 percent; Jessamine and Oldham counties, 3 percent each; Anderson and Rockcastle counties, 3.1 percent each; Franklin County, 3.3 percent; Scott County, 3.4 percent; and Barren and Trigg counties, 3.5 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 12.3 percent.  It was followed by Fulton County, 11.9 percent; Harlan County, 10.6 percent; Letcher County, 10.5 percent; Grayson County, 10.1 percent; Carter County, 10 percent; Carlisle County, 9.3 percent; Ballard County, 9.2 percent; Breathitt County, 9.1 percent; and Hickman and Powell counties, 8.9 percent each.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.  Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted.  Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings.  Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.  However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

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Oct. 15, 2003 - High-tech program increases technology schools' efficiency, productivity

FRANKFORT - Department for Technical Education (DTE) teachers are learning a new technology designed to help them electronically receive instantaneous scores on tests or feedback on student comprehension. It also allows students’ responses to remain anonymous to all but the instructor.

Known as the Classroom Performance System (CPS), the technology allows students to answer questions using a hand-held keypad, that performs much as a television remote, and permits teachers to import curriculum into their computers and review real-time student performance. 

Students each use a keypad to enter answers to test reviews, formal tests, quizzes and classroom discussions.

As students punch in answers during a test review, for example, teachers immediately see each student’s response on a monitor and can gauge each student’s comprehension level, said Mary Stratton, DTE’s deputy commissioner. Stratton was instrumental in obtaining the CPS program for DTE’s 53 schools, known as area technology centers.

“It is crucial to assess the progress of the class and immediately identify those students that need additional assistance without singling them out,” said Stratton.

CPS streamlines other teacher tasks, such as taking attendance and grading tests and homework in a matter of seconds, thus “allowing teachers to emphasize less time on paperwork and more time on teaching,” said Stratton.

DTE Commissioner Emil Jezik said that CPS is one way his department keeps the centers up to speed with the latest teaching methods.

“We believe this technology will provide our instructors with an array of options in teaching and assessing students, as well as creating an interactive and attention-getting environment for the student,” said Jezik.

The system was introduced to the area technology center principals and teachers this past summer. Teachers are attending CPS training this fall and will begin to integrate it into their classrooms.

DTE’s area technology centers are secondary schools that offer hands-on training in such fields as health and human services, business, construction, manufacturing, automotive and information technologies. DTE is a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency. Learn more about the department and the cabinet on the Internet at www.workforce.ky.gov.

The Cabinet for Workforce Development connects Kentucky to employment, workforce information, education and training.

Oct. 3, 2003 - Kentucky’s unemployment rate plummets in August

FRANKFORT  ­– Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.7 percent in August from 6.1 percent in July, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency. The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate for August 2002 was 5.5 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate in August decreased to 6.1 percent from 6.2 percent in July.

“August marked the 17^th consecutive month that Kentucky’s unemployment rate has been lower than the U.S. unemployment rate,” said Carlos Cracraft, the department's chief labor market analyst.

Six of the 10 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors had employment decreases in August, while two recorded increases and two stayed the same, Cracraft said. A monthly survey of business establishments revealed that Kentucky’s nonfarm employment rose by 7,600 on a seasonally adjusted basis to August’s 1,768,800 employees.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the financial activities sector had 1,000 fewer employees in August than in July. This sector, which includes establishments involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has lost 500 jobs since August 2002.

Employment in the professional and business services sector also dropped by 1,000 jobs in August. This sector has declined by 2,300 workers since August 2002.

The educational and health services sector employment fell by 800 jobs in August. Since August 2002, the sector has added 2,600 jobs.

In August 2003, the trade, transportation and utilities sector lost 600 jobs. This sector includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities businesses, and warehousing, and is the largest sector in Kentucky with 365,900 employees. Since August 2002, the sector has lost 4,900 employees.

The leisure and hospitality sector recorded a 200-job drop in August. Since August 2002, the sector has lost 200 employees.

The other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance places, personal and laundry services, religious organizations, and civic and professional organizations, decreased by 100 jobs in August. Over the past 12 months, the sector has lost 2,100 jobs.

Employment Kentucky’s manufacturing sector remained unchanged from July to August. Since August 2002, the sector has shrunk by 4,700 jobs.

The information sector also had the same number of employees from in July to August. This sector, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities and broadcasting and news syndication, declined by 400 employees from August 2002 to August 2003.

On the positive side of the ledger, the government sector, which includes public education, gained 9,100 jobs from July to August. Since August 2002, this sector has decreased by 2,100 jobs.

The construction sector rose by 1,300 jobs in August, marking the first month since January that the sector has added employment. Since August 2002, the sector has fallen by 2,000 jobs.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for August 2003 was 1,874,042 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is down 1,476 from the 1,875,518 employed in July 2003, but up 18,496 from the 1,855,546 employed in August 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for August 2003 was 113,900. This figure is down 8,808 from the 122,708 unemployed in July 2003, but up 5,986 from the 107,914 Kentuckians unemployed in August 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for August 2003 was 1,987,942. This figure is down 10,284 from the 1,998,226 recorded in July 2003, but up 24,482 from the 1,963,460 recorded for August 2002. 

August 2003 County Unemployment Rates

Unemployment rates rose in 78 Kentucky counties between August 2002 and August 2003, fell in 40 and remained the same in Clinton and McCreary counties.

In August 2003, five counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and three counties recorded double-digit rates in August 2002.

Oldham County’s 2.8 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth.  Other low rates were recorded in Jessamine and Woodford counties, 2.9 percent each; Anderson County, 3.1 percent; Franklin and Metcalfe counties, 3.2 percent each; Rockcastle County, 3.3 percent; Owen County, 3.4 percent; Bath County, 3.5 percent; and Fayette, Shelby and Todd counties, 3.6 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 12.2 percent.  It was followed by Carter County, 11.7 percent; Fulton County, 11.3 percent; Harlan and Letcher counties, 10.8 percent each; Breathitt and Carlisle counties, 9.4 percent each; Ohio County, 9.3 percent; McCreary County, 9.1 percent; and Boyle and Powell counties, 8.9 percent each.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.  Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted.  Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings.  Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.  However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

The Cabinet for Workforce Development connects Kentucky to employment, workforce information, education and training.

County unemployment rate charts  -  Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please go to the bottom of this page.

Sept. 16, 2003 - Kentucky’s unemployment rate climbs in July

FRANKFORT -  Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.1 percent in July, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency. The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 5.9 percent in June 2003, and 5.5 percent in July 2002.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate in July decreased to 6.2 percent from 6.4 percent in June.

“Typically in July, many facilities have vacation and model change-over shutdowns. Often, these layoff incidents fall during the July survey week, the one-week period when employment and unemployment statistics are gathered to represent the month,” said Carlos Cracraft, the department's chief labor market analyst.

“Kentucky’s unemployment rate of 6.1 percent in July 2003 was .6 percentage point higher than the 5.5 percent unemployment rate recorded in July 2002. Kentucky was one of 26 states that had a higher unemployment rate in July 2003 than in July 2002.”

Six of the 10 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors had employment increases in July, while two recorded decreases and two stayed the same, Cracraft said. A monthly survey of business establishments revealed that Kentucky’s nonfarm employment fell by 10,600 on a seasonally adjusted basis to July’s 1,760,300 employees.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the government sector, which includes public education, lost 12,500 jobs from June to July. Since July 2002, this sector has decreased by 8,900 jobs.

The construction sector fell by 1,200 jobs from June to July, marking the sixth straight month that the sector has shrunk. Since July 2002, the sector has fallen by 2,600 jobs.

Educational and health services sector employment stayed at the same level from June to July. Since July 2002, the sector has added 3,900 jobs.

The information sector had the same number of employees from in June and July. This sector, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities and broadcasting and news syndication, declined by 300 employees from July 2002 to July 2003.

On positive side, the leisure and hospitality sector recorded one of the largest increases of the 10 major nonfarm NAICS sectors with 1,000 more employees in July.

Kentucky manufacturing also gained 1,000 jobs in July. Since July 2002, the sector has shrunk by 5,200 jobs.

The professional and business services sector rose by 200 jobs in July. This sector had the same employment from July 2002 to July 2003.

The other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance places, personal and laundry services, religious organizations, and civic and professional organizations, also increased by 200 jobs in July. Over the past 12 months, the sector has lost 1,900 jobs.

In the trade, transportation and utilities sector, employment rose by 100 in July. This sector includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities businesses, and warehousing, and is the largest sector in Kentucky with 365,200 employees. Since July 2002, the sector has lost 6,000 jobs.

The financial activities sector had 100 more employees in July than in June. This sector, which includes establishments involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has added 800 jobs since July 2002.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for July 2003 was 1,875,183 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 5,754 from the 1,869,429 employed in June 2003, and up 19,743 from the 1,855,440 employed in July 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for July 2003 was 121,824. This figure is up 4,440 from the 117,384 unemployed in June 2003, and up 13,084 from the 108,740 Kentuckians unemployed in July 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for July 2003 was 1,997,007. This figure is up 10,194 from the 1,986,813 recorded in June 2003, and up 32,827 from the 1,964,180 recorded for July 2002. 

The civilian labor force includes non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  It does not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.  Employment and unemployment statistics are based on estimates.  They are compiled to indicate employment trends rather than actually to count numbers of people who are or are not working.

July 2003 County Unemployment Rates

Unemployment rates rose in 81 Kentucky counties between July 2002 and July 2003, fell in 36 and remained the same in Bullitt, Caldwell and Oldham counties.

In July 2003, 15 counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and seven counties recorded double-digit rates in July 2002.

Woodford and Oldham counties’ 2.9 percent jobless rates were the lowest in the commonwealth.  Other low rates were recorded in Jessamine County, 3.4 percent; Fayette and Owen counties, 3.6 percent each; Scott County, 3.8 percent; Kenton and Madison counties, 4.1 percent each; Campbell County, 4.2 percent; and Garrard, Knott and Todd counties, 4.3 percent each.

Fulton County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 14.1 percent.  It was followed by Carter County, 13.7 percent; Magoffin County, 13.4 percent; Webster County, 12.9 percent; Powell County, 12 percent; Monroe County, 11.6 percent; Letcher County, 11.5 percent; Breathitt, Hickman and Grayson counties, 11.1 percent each.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.  Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted.  Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings.  Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.  However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

Aug. 22, 2003 - Department for Employment Services gives awards to 23 Kentucky employers  

DES Award Photographs

FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Department for Employment Services’ (DES) recently presented 23 employers with its Employer Achievement Award.

The state agency recognized the companies for demonstrating a commitment to improving the delivery of DES services, making a significant impact on DES and/or enhancing public awareness of DES programs and services.

DES Commissioner Jim Thompson said, “The partnerships that have developed between DES and these employers are outstanding.  These employers have discovered the benefits of utilizing the programs and services offered by DES.  It is an honor and a privilege to recognize employers who have done so much to promote DES through their words and actions.”

Services offered by the department include recruitment, screening and referral for employer job openings, job search assistance for people looking for jobs, unemployment insurance benefits and labor market information. DES is an agency of the Cabinet for Workforce Development.

Representatives for the companies accepted the awards during the department’s annual awards dinner in Lexington.

The award winners are listed below.

·         AK Steel, Ashland

·         Logan Aluminum, Bowling Green

·         Murakami Manufacturing Inc., Campbellsville

·         Flowers Bakery, London

·         Red Wing Shoe Company, Danville

·         Toyoda Gosei KY, Elizabethtown

·         Lowe’s, Georgetown

·         Belden Electronics Division, Glasgow

·         WFIX Radio Station, Harlan

·         Atlantis Plastics, Henderson

·         Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Hopkinsville

·         Laidlaw Transit Services Inc., Louisville

·         Autoliv, Madisonville

·         Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America Inc., Maysville

·         Cooper Tire, Morehead

·         Executive Inn of Owensboro, Owensboro

·         Chempac Packaging Corporation, Paducah

·         Kellogg Pikeville Plant, Pikeville

·         R&S Godwin Truck Body LLC, Prestonsburg

·         Specialized Technical Services Inc., Richmond

·         Toyotetsu America Inc., Somerset

·         Joe Elliott Farms, Philpot

·         Frankfort Plant Board, Frankfort

Aug. 6, 2003 - Kentucky’s unemployment rate goes up in June; most counties follow suit

FRANKFORT - Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to its highest point in 18 months to 5.9 percent in June, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency. The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 5.7 percent in May 2003, and 5.6 percent in June 2002.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate in June increased to 6.4 percent from 6.1 percent in May.

“The .2 percentage point increase from May to June was the largest single-month jump in Kentucky’s unemployment rate since February,” said Carlos Cracraft, the department's chief labor market analyst. “While Kentucky’s unemployment rose in June, we were one of 40 states that remained below the national jobless rate of 6.4 percent in June and we have stayed below the national rate for 15 consecutive months.”

Seven of the 10 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors had employment decreases in June, while three recorded increases, Cracraft said. A monthly survey of business establishments revealed that Kentucky’s nonfarm employment fell by 2,100 on a seasonally adjusted basis to June’s 1,770,900 employees.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the leisure and hospitality sector recorded the largest decline of the 10 major nonfarm NAICS sectors with 1,700 fewer employees in June. “The employment loss in June marked the fourth out of the past five months that this sector has lost jobs.”

The educational and health services sector fell by 1,200 jobs in June. However, the sector has added 4,400 jobs since June 2002.

The construction sector lost 800 jobs from May to June, marking the fifth straight month that the sector has shrunk. Since June 2002, the sector has fallen by 1,700 jobs.

The Kentucky manufacturing sector employment continued to slide with 700 fewer jobs in June. “This sector had 7,600 fewer employees in June 2003 than in June 2002, and has lost some 43,000 jobs over the past three years,” Cracraft said.

In the trade, transportation and utilities sector, employment decreased by 500 in June. This sector includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities businesses, and warehousing, and is the largest sector in Kentucky with 365,300 employees. Since June 2002, the sector has lost 6,400 jobs.

The information sector had 500 fewer employees in June than in May. This sector, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities and broadcasting and news syndication, declined by 200 employees from June 2002 to June 2003.

The financial activities sector had 200 fewer employees in June than in May, but this sector has added 500 jobs since June 2002. This sector includes establishments involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental.

On the positive side, the government sector, which includes public education, added 3,400 jobs from May to June. Since June 2002, this sector has increased by 1,600 jobs.

The professional and business services sector rose by 100 jobs in June. Compared to June 2002, the sector had 300 more employees in June 2003.

The other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance places, personal and laundry services, religious organizations, and civic and professional organizations, also increased by 100 jobs in June. Over the past 12 months, the sector has lost 1,800 jobs.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for June 2003 was 1,869,429 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is down 2,489 from the 1,871,918 employed in May 2003, but up 12,922 from the 1,856,507 employed in June 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for June 2003 was 116,435. This figure is up 2,941 from the 113,494 unemployed in May 2003, and up 7,137 from the 109,298 Kentuckians unemployed in June 2002.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for June 2003 was 1,985,864. This figure is up 452 from the 1,985,412 recorded in May 2003, and up 20,059 from the 1,965,805 recorded for June 2002. 

The civilian labor force includes non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  It does not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.  Employment and unemployment statistics are based on estimates.  They are compiled to indicate employment trends rather than actually to count numbers of people who are or are not working.

June 2003 County Unemployment Rates

Unemployment rates rose in 76 Kentucky counties between June 2002 and June 2003, fell in 39 and remained the same in Graves, Magoffin, Meade, Scott and Shelby counties.

In June 2003, 11 counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and nine counties recorded double-digit rates in June 2002.

Woodford County’s 2.7 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth.  Other low rates were recorded in Metcalfe and Oldham counties, 3 percent each; Anderson County, 3.2 percent; Jessamine County, 3.5 percent; Fayette and Franklin counties, 3.6 percent each; Larue County, 3.7 percent; and Barren, Owen and Rockcastle counties, 3.9 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 15.1 percent.  It was followed by Letcher County, 13.5 percent; Carter County, 12 percent; Breathitt County, 11.3 percent; Harlan County, 11 percent; Boyle County, 10.8 percent; Fulton County, 10.6 percent; Morgan County, 10.2 percent; McLean County, 10.1 percent; and Lee and Ohio counties, 10 percent each.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.  Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted.  Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings.  Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.  However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

Aug. 6, 2003 - New on-line store lets people with visual disabilities shop for aids by computer

FRANKFORT  — Kentuckians who are visually impaired can shop for visual aids by computer at the Kentucky Department for the Blind’s (DFB) new See World On-line Store at https://seeworld.ky.gov. It also will give family members of visually impaired people and rehabilitation counselors a resource where they can view merchandise on-line before ordering it.

Nearly 600 items including clocks, calculators, kitchen utensils, magnifiers and writing aids can be purchased from the on-line store. All items have descriptions and about 50 percent are accompanied by a photograph. The on-line store is an extension of the See World Store located at the Charles W. McDowell Rehabilitation Center in Louisville.

DFB Commissioner Denise Placido said, “Assistive technology is one way we can help our customers become more independent and productive in the workplace, community, school and home. The See World On-line Store makes those items easier to buy. It is also a great resource for employers who want to accommodate or hire workers who have a vision loss.”

Kirsten Schmidt, sales coordinator for the See World Store, said photographs will continue to be added to the Web site with the goal of having a picture for each item.

“Before we put store products on-line, I would have to describe to someone over the phone how an item looked or its size, or the person would have to come to our store to see an item. The See World On-line Store allows people who have some vision to use a computer to look at merchandise,” Schmidt said. “It’s also great for a family member of someone with a visual impairment or the person’s rehabilitation counselor to be able to go the Web site and see the product before he orders it.”

Schmidt said that the store not only serves people in Kentucky but also gets orders from across the U.S. By putting photographed items on-line, Schmidt said she expects even more orders from outside the state.

The Department for the Blind, an agency of the Cabinet for Workforce Development, provides job counseling, education, job training and assistive technology services to Kentuckians who are blind or visually impaired.

Aug. 4, 2003 - New online service provides access to employment and training programs

FRANKFORT - A new online service of the Cabinet for Workforce Development offers Kentuckians opportunities to register for jobs, apply for employment and training services, complete a job search and develop a resume through the Employ Kentucky system - all from any Internet-connected computer.

Employ Kentucky, an initiative of Gov. Paul E. Patton’s EMPOWER Kentucky project, also has advantages for employers. As more and more Kentuckians enter their names in the cabinet’s applicant database, the pool for employee recruitment expands.

“Employ Kentucky provides options for accessing government employment and training services,” said Gov. Paul E. Patton. “In many cases, being able to go online for these services eliminates having to go into a local office. At the same time, we’re still providing face-to-face services for people who need that option.

“This is another example of how we have made government services more accessible to taxpayers.”

Employ Kentucky also doubles as case-management technology used by the cabinet’s local offices and partner agencies to connect employers and job seekers, connect individuals to a wide range of employment and training services, make referrals to job interviews, make electronic referrals to other agencies and meet federal reporting requirements.

The public can access Employ Kentucky features through www.workforce.ky.gov. Other online services available through this Web site address include employee recruitment, a workforce tool kit and payment of unemployment insurances taxes for employers, plus virtual workshops, a local office locator, a career kit and career exploration tools for job seekers.

Agencies currently using Employ Kentucky include the Department for Employment Services, Department for Training and ReEmployment and local Workforce Investment Area offices. Employ Kentucky was developed through a consortium of states with a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Before implementation, the system was extensively tested by employees of the cabinet’s Department for Employment Services, Office of Technology Services and Department for Training and ReEmployment. Employ Kentucky was piloted by employees and customers of the Central Kentucky Job Center in Georgetown.