Triangle unemployment rate climbs to 7.8 percent

Unemployment across the Triangle increased to 7.8 percent in May, up from 7.5 percent in April.

A year ago, unemployment was 8.4 percent.

Across North Carolina, the news was much the same as the ranks of the jobless increased in 76 of 100 counties, declined in 21 and remained unchanged in three, according to data from the North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Employment Security.

The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate is 9.4 percent. that was unchanged from April. The national jobless rate is 8.2 percent.

Unemployment in 13 of the state's 14 metropolitan areas also increased.

In Fayetteville, unemployment rose to 9.8 percent from 9.4 percent and is nearly as high as a year ago (9.9 percent).

In Goldsboro, the jobless rate climbed to 8.8 percent from 8.4 percent.

In Rocky Mount, unemployment hit 12.5 percent, up from 12.1 percent.

Raleigh-Cary's rate increased to 7.7 percent from 7.4 percent and Durham-Chapel Hill's rate rose to 7.4 percent from 7.1 percent.

Compared to a year ago, the state said some progress is being made.

“While rates were up in most counties for May, over-the-year, we see a positive downward trend,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll in a statement.

“Rates were down in 88 counties across North Carolina since May of last year. Our focus remains on growing jobs across the state as several key job announcements have been made over the past several weeks. Our employment service offices are committed to working with employers to get job seekers back to work in North Carolina.”

However, the number of unemployed grew more than people finding work last month.

The DES reported that 17,758 more people were jobless while employment increased by 11,632.

Over the past year, the ranks of people working have grown by 35,027 while unemployment is down by 40,819.

The difference in the numbers includes people who are no longer seeking work or receiving unemployment benefits. They are not counted in the total.