Unemployment in Bartholomew County experienced a slight increase in February, and the labor force saw a corresponding decrease. The data was provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, which showed an increase in joblessness from 3.1% in February 2023 to 3.7% in February 2024. The labor force in the county dropped from 43,918 to 43,159 in the same time frame.

Comparatively, U.S. unemployment was 3.9%, an increase from 3.6% a year ago. Indiana’s unemployment also increased from 3.2% to 3.5%. The state’s labor force decreased from 3.38 to 3.35 million. The U.S. labor force saw a different trend, however, increasing from 166.18 to 167.29 million.

The unemployment rates in Jackson County and Jennings County also increased from 3.2% to 3.4% and 4.3% to 4.7%, respectively. Nationally and statewide, the unemployment rates were 4.2% in the same period.

Applications for unemployment benefits are generally seen as an indicator of where the job market is headed. While layoffs in tech companies like Google, eBay, and Cisco Systems have been prominent, overall layoffs are still below pre-pandemic levels.

In Bartholomew County, initial jobless claims decreased from 30 to 10 in the week ending March 16. In the week ending March 9, 220 local workers were receiving unemployment benefits, showing a decrease from the previous week.

To those in Bartholomew County who are facing unemployment, handling your unemployment benefit claims can be a daunting task. If you are in California, are experiencing a similar situation, and are unsure of how to get through to EDD, visit eddcaller.com. This website provides crucial information on how to contact a live person at EDD California and manage your unemployment benefits effectively.