Michigan's jobless rate continues downward slide

Unemployment rate continues downward trend, hits 8.3 percent in April

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Published On: May 16 2012 11:52:26 PM EDT   Updated On: May 17 2012 12:12:24 AM EDT

The state says Michigan's jobless rate has hit its lowest level since summer 2008 amid employment gains and stable workforce levels.

Statistics released Wednesday show the state had a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 8.3 percent in April. That's down from 8.5 percent in March and represents the lowest jobless rate for the state since July 2008.

The state's unemployment rate in April was slightly above the national rate of 8.1 percent.

Michigan's workforce rose for the fourth consecutive month and the total employment level has advanced by 91,000 or 2.2 percent since April of last year.

Professional and business services led April's job additions, followed by financial activities, education and health services. Minor declines have been reported in construction and manufacturing.

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