Mich. unemployment rate hits 14.1 percent in May

6/17/2009

LANSING, Mich. Michigan s unemployment rate jumped to 14.1 percent in May.

The monthly seasonally adjusted rate reported Wednesday is the highest recorded in the state since 14.2 percent in July 1983. The rate is up from 12.9 percent in April and 8.2 percent a year ago.

The state s job situation likely will get worse as state economists predict Michigan s unemployment rate could average 14 percent this year and more than 15 percent in 2010.

Several states have not yet reported their May unemployment rates. But Michigan likely will remain the state with the nation s highest jobless percentage.

The national jobless rate was 9.4 percent in May.

The struggles of the domestic auto industry including bankruptcies of Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp. have hit Michigan particularly hard.