The unemployment rates in California and the Mother Lode region saw an increase in February. Data from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) report indicates that the state’s unemployment rate rose from 5.2 percent in January to 5.3 percent in February, a loss of 3,400 nonfarm payroll jobs. Despite this dip, California has registered an overall gain of 3,037,600 jobs since February 2020, averaging 66,035 new jobs per month. This change in employment rates was also reflected in the counties of Tuolumne and Calaveras, where unemployment rates increased by a percentage point. Four of California’s 11 industry sectors showed job growth in February, with private education and health services leading with an additional 15,400 jobs.

On the downside, the construction sector was the hardest hit, losing 9,600 jobs due, in part, to inclement winter weather. The EDD also attributed job loss in trade, transportation, and utilities to a decrease in consumer discretionary spending and demand. These changes have led to a rise in the U.S. unemployment rate to 3.9 percent, marking the highest since January 2022.

If you’re affected by these changes and are trying to reach EDD, there various ways to do so. You can utilize EDD’s online services to file a claim, check the status of your claim, or seek assistance on other unemployment-related issues. Alternatively, you can contact EDD through their Customer Service line for personalized support. For more tips and guidance on getting through to EDD effectively, visit eddcaller.com.