U.S. employers cut more jobs

Employers cut more jobs in the United States in June, causing unemployment to rise to 9.5 percent from 9.4 percent in May. The latest nationwide jobless rate is the highest since

Employers cut more jobs in the United States in June, causing unemployment to rise to 9.5 percent from 9.4 percent in May.

The latest nationwide jobless rate is the highest since August 1983.

The U.S. Department of Labor says employers slashed 467,000 jobs last month. In May, the economy lost 322,000 jobs.

Factory payrolls fell by 136,000 in June after decreasing by 156,000 the prior month. Payrolls at builders fell by 79,000 jobs after declining by 48,000 in May.


Retail payrolls decreased by 21,000 employees. Financial firms reduced their payrolls by 27,000 jobs.

According to the department, the number of Americans filing first-time claims for unemployment benefits last week was in line with forecasts.

Initial jobless claims dropped by 16,000 to 614,000 in the week ended June 27.

The average workweek dipped to 33 hours in June from 33.1 hours in May. Workers’ average hourly wages held at $18.53 for the second straight month.

June unemployment rates for individual states are scheduled to be announced July 17.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate rose to 11.1 percent in May from 10.5 percent in April.

The unemployment rate in Mecklenburg County increased to 11 percent in May from 10.2 percent in April.

In South Carolina, unemployment reached a record high of 12.1 percent in May. South Carolina’s jobless rate in April was 11.4 percent.