Michigan jobless rate improves

6/14/2007

LANSING, Mich. The loss of manufacturing and construction jobs continues to drag down Michigan s job market, with the state having 32,000 fewer manufacturing jobs and 15,000 fewer construction jobs in May than a year ago, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth said yesterday.

The state s jobless rate for May dropped to 6.9, down slightly from April s 7.1 percent

rate, which was the nation s highest. The national unemployment rate in May was 4.5 percent. A year ago, Michigan s unemployment rate was 6.6 percent.

Construction jobs have been on a consistent downward swing in Michigan since early 2006, according to agency.