Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 2, 1991 TAG: 9104020609
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A/1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY BUSINESS EDITOR
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The rate was the highest for Roanoke since November 1986 when it equaled 4.9 percent. Many other areas of the state in February reached the highest unemployment levels since 1983 and 1984, the Virginia Employment Commission reported.
Despite that increase, Roanoke and Lynchburg "are probably touched by the downturn about as little as any in the state," said William Mezger, research analyst with the VEC.
Roanoke and Lynchburg, among the state's major cities, both had 4.9 percent unemployment. Northern Virginia was the only urban area with a lower rate, 3.6 percent, in February.
Roanoke's unemployed roll increased by 1,270 people from January to February, primarily as a result of cutbacks in textiles and retailing, Mezger said. Stores normally reduce employment in February, he added.
Virginia's unemployment rate increased from 5.9 percent in January to 6.5 percent in February because of widespread, temporary layoffs in mid-February and "a dwindling number of construction projects," according to Mezger. Roanoke's construction employment, however, remained at the January level of 7,000 jobs. But the most recent number was still 4,000 below a year ago.
Mezger said he expects March unemployment will continue at about the same level as February.
"By April [figures], we may see a little improvement."
by CNB