California’s unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in August, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was the result of a decrease in government employment, as well as declines in the motion picture industry, tech, and manufacturing sectors. Although the healthcare and hospitality sectors saw job growth, it was not enough to offset these losses.

State government payroll took a significant hit, attributed to the ongoing budget issues in Sacramento. The freeze in hiring that was announced by the governor during the spring was seen as a primary cause of the decline. While layoffs have not been implemented, vacant positions in the state government have generally not been refilled once employees retire or leave.

Despite these setbacks, California employers added an estimated 6,800 new jobs in August; however, this was notably lower than the state’s monthly average of 17,750 jobs added this year. Across the nation, hiring has been on a decline, which was a contributing factor to the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates for the first time since 2020.

In an attempt to address the issue, younger workers and those experiencing long-term unemployment are encouraged to use the resources provided by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). The EDD offers various programs and services, including unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family leave. However, for some, reaching out to the EDD can be a challenge.

For those looking to contact the EDD for any assistance, the website eddcaller.com offers a guide on how to get through to a live person at EDD. This can be especially helpful for those who are new to the process or have inquiries that require direct communication. The site provides step-by-step guidance on how to navigate through the EDD’s automated phone system to speak to a human representative. It also offers tips on the best times to call to potentially minimize wait times.