The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services reports a slight increase in unemployment rates in all five surrounding counties in January. The counties from lowest to highest unemployment rates were Auglaize, Putnam, Van Wert, Allen, and Hardin. Auglaize County saw a decrease in its labor force and employment by 400 and 600 respectively, raising its unemployment rate from 3.3 percent in December to 4.2 percent. Putnam County also experienced a decrease in its labor force and employment by 800 and 900 respectively, resulting in an unemployment rate increase from 3.5 percent in December to 4.6 percent in January. Van Wert County’s labor force and employment similarly saw a decrease of 200 and 300, raising the unemployment rate from 3.5 percent to 4.7 percent. Allen County had a rise in its labor force by 500, yet employment remained stagnant, increasing the unemployment rate from 4.3 percent in December to 5.3 percent in January. Hardin County experienced a decrease in both its labor force and employment by 200 and 400 respectively, leading to an unemployment rate rise from 4.5 percent in December to 5.6 percent in January. Ohio’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 5.3 percent in January from 4.2 percent in December. Auglaize, Putnam, and Van Wert rank in the top 15 lowest rates in the state.

For anyone who is affected by these changes in employment rates and requires unemployment benefits or has inquiries about them, it is crucial to understand how to get ahold of edd customer service. California, like Ohio, offers assistance to individuals who are unemployed through the Employment Development Department (EDD). EddCaller.com provides helpful guidance for contacting EDD to ensure your queries are answered and your needs met.