Monday, June 12, 2006: The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina recently released the latest figures for North Carolina's not-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate showing that unemployment declined in 99 out of 100 counties for the second consecutive month.

April's not-seasonally adjusted rate of 4.1 is at its lowest mark since December 2000 when it was 3.9 percent. County employment numbers remain positive in 2006 as 77 of North Carolina's 100 counties have unemployment rates below five percent.

Franklin County's unemployment rate continues to decrease with an unemployment rate of 3.5 % for April 2006. This indicates that only 965 people of the civilian labor force are unemployed out of a total labor force of 27,251 according to the statistics from the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina.

From the Economic Development Commission, Franklin County received another positive sign regarding wage growth. As one of the thirteen counties represented by the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, Franklin County had the highest percentage of wage growth with an 8% growth 2005 over 2004. "The statistics from both the Research Triangle Regional Partnership and the Employment Security Commission, show positive gains in employment within Franklin County," commented Ronnie Goswick, Director of Franklin County Economic Commission. "Statistics such as these continue to make Franklin County an appealing place for new and existing industries."

The Franklin County Economic Development Commission is a department of the Franklin County government established to advise the County on issues, policies and programs related to economic development.

Media Contacts
Michael Brown, Louisburg Branch Manager, Employment Security Commission
252-496-6251 (phone)
Richie W. Duncan, Existing Industry Coordinator
Franklin County EDC
919-554-1863 (phone)
919-554-1781 (fax)
rduncan@franklincountync.us