THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 9, 1995 TAG: 9505090283
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: TARA TROWER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
With the tourism industry gearing up and the state economy booming, the chance of finding a job in Hampton Roads is the best it has been in years.
In March, the area's jobless rate hit 4.6 percent, its lowest point in almost five years. The trend is expected to have carried through April.
Hampton Roads' March unemployment rate is the lowest since November 1990. The drop in jobless claims compares with a rate of 4.9 percent in February and 5.5 percent in March 1994.
Statewide, the employment picture was much the same. The jobless rate, down 0.4 percentage points to 4.2 percent, reached its lowest level since August 1990.
State and local figures remained below the national unemployment rate of 5.8 percent in April, up from 5.5 percent in March.
The number of unemployed workers in Virginia, down 13,000 to 146,800 in March, was also the lowest figure in 55 months. And theoutlook for the state and Hampton Roads continues to shine, with a state projection of 4 percent for April.
``April tends to be Virginia's best month,'' said Virginia Employment Commission economist William Mezger. ``The theme parks like Water Country and Busch Gardens open and lots of people come to Hampton Roads for Garden Week and other spring tours. It's kind of the kick-off of the tourist season. And tourism means jobs.''
The number of nonagricultural jobs in Hampton Roads rose from 617,800 in February to 622,720 in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The largest percentage increases in jobs were in the hotel industry at 5.4 percent and construction at 3.3 percent.
The increase in construction was due mostly to mild weather, giving the industry an early start on the building season, Mezger said. ILLUSTRATION: Color graphic
Nation's jobless rate: 5.8%
Hampton Road's March [jobless] rate: 4.6%
Staff graphic
Source: Virginia Employment Commission
Unemployment in Virginia
For copy of graphic, see microfilm.
KEYWORDS: UNEMPLOYMENT HAMPTON ROADS VIRGINIA by CNB