NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development Karla Davis announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for December was 9.4 percent, unchanged from the November rate.  The national unemployment rate for December 2010 was 9.4 percent, 0.4 percentage point lower than the November rate.

“Employment growth continues to keep Tennessee's unemployment rate down from a year ago,” said Labor Commissioner Karla Davis.  “While our rate has remained unchanged since September, we’ve seen growth over the last year across a diverse range of industries.”

Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
November 2010 to December 2010

According to the Business Survey, professional, scientific, and technical services increased by 1,200 jobs; trade, transportation, and utilities increased by 1,000 jobs; and general merchandise stores increased by 700 jobs.  Major employment decreases occurred in educational and health services, down by 3,000; manufacturing declined by 2,500; and mining and construction declined by 2,500 jobs.

Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
December 2009 to December 2010

Year-over-year increases occurred in professional and business services, up by 15,200; trade, transportation, and utilities gained 6,300; and health care and social assistance was up by 4,600.  Year-over-year decreases occurred in financial activities, down by 2,600; information lost 2,000; and nondurable goods manufacturing decreased by 1,700.