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Merrimack's jobless rate hovers around 5.1 percent, or a percentage point below the state's unemployment rate in March.
Local unemployment rates are expected to be released later today, April 26, by New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau.
But from what data is already out there, an estimated 810 Merrimack residents are unemployed. Or they report they are, and they are apparently not in a sub-category of discouraged workers or involuntary part-timers.
The fact that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides alternative measures for labor underutilization–and provides estimates for six of those measures–is evidence enough the economy isn't purring along like all would like.
| Unemployment Claims, NH Employment Security | March 2012 |
| Initial claims: | 5,188 |
| Continued Weeks Claimed: | 53,207 |
The good news? Employment Security has a chart showing where states rank for unemployment rates. New Hampshire ties Iowa for fifth best, after North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Vermont.
So what do you think: is the country on the right track?
Bob Samson
9:14 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012
I don't know anyone that believes these statistics.
Dan Tuohy
10:33 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012
Except the statisticians, right?
Bob Samson
11:56 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012
@Dan Tuohy
People that live in NH but worked in MA and got laid off are not included in the STATISTICS. This is a pretty large number. People that have recently (2-3yrs) graduated from school without ever having a job are not properly studied.
Myself, I use the number of Homes For Sale Signs. They are everywhere. I also use the number of semis on highways. Pretty bleak.