Published: April 29, 2008 12:05 am      

Local job market shows signs of stagnation

A report released today shows that the job market in Cambria and Somerset counties had very little pep in its step during March.

The state Center for Workforce Information and Analysis’ monthly employment report paints a picture of a stagnated economy.

“Not too much happened,” said Lauren Nimal, state industry and business analyst.

One surprise was a lack of movement in the goods-producing sector.

Nimal said March job numbers typically reflect a greater seasonal change as the weather improves, allowing outside projects to move forward.

“We usually see a greater increase in goods-producing jobs as construction work comes back,” she said. “That wasn’t the case this month. ... It could just be due to a slower pickup to the spring, projects starting later this year, or it could be that there are less projects taking place this spring than they would normally see.”

Cambria County’s unemployment rate shrank from 6 percent to 5.9 percent between February and March. The number of jobs was only 100 ahead of February’s mark – and even with the 61,200 reported in March 2007.

Somerset County’s jobless rate inched up from 5.9 percent to 6 percent during the same period. The job numbers showed an increase of 100 from February but a decline from March 2007.

Nimal said that, as many markets are contracting across the country, the lack of activity locally could be considered a good sign.

“There were a few marginal changes here and there,” Nimal said, “but for the most part, nothing much really happened in March.”



Jobless rates according to the state Center for Workforce Information and Analysis:

(Percentage rates for March, February and March 2007)

Cambria: 5.9, 6.0, 4.8

Somerset: 6.0, 5.9, 4.8

State: 4.9, 5.0, 4.3

Nation: 5.1, 4.8, 4.4