North Carolina today

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Labor and Economic Analysis Division
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Employment at a Glance
Civilian Labor Force
• North Carolina’s November 2012 smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 9.1 percent, decreased 0.2
of a percentage point over October 2012. The rate was 10.4 percent in November 2011.
• At 9.1 percent, North Carolina’s November unemployment rate is 1.4 percentage points higher than the United
States’ 7.7 percent rate.
• The number of people unemployed decreased 1.9 percent to 431,724.
• During November, North Carolina’s smoothed seasonally adjusted labor force participation rate increased 0.3 of
a percentage point to 63.0 percent, while the U.S. rate fell 0.2 of a percentage point to 63.6 percent.
Nonfarm Employment
• Seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment for November 2012 increased by 30,600 jobs over the month,
and by 60,000 jobs over the year to 3,995,700.
• Over the month, the following sectors experienced seasonally adjusted job growth: Trade, Transportation &
Utilities, 7,300; Professional & Business Services, 5,400; Education & Health Services, 4,900; Leisure &
Hospitality Services, 4,600; Manufacturing, 3,900; Government, 2,400; Construction, 1,700; and Financial
Activities, 600. Information had the only over-the-month loss at 200. Mining & Logging and Other Services
reported no over-the-month changes.
• The major sectors to report over-the-year seasonally adjusted job increases were: Trade, Transportation & Utilities,
16,300; Leisure & Hospitality Services, 15,100; Professional & Business Services, 14,900; Education & Health
Services, 10,100; Manufacturing, 6,800; Financial Activities, 2,900; and Information, 1,200.
• Not seasonally adjusted, the following major sectors reported over-the-year job growth: Trade, Transportation &
Utilities, 15,800; Leisure & Hospitality Services, 14,700; Professional & Business Services, 13,900; Education
& Health Services, 10,100; Manufacturing, 7,500; Financial Activities, 3,000; and Information, 1,200.
• The following sectors in Manufacturing showed over-the-year not seasonally adjusted job increases: Food, 1,700;
Transportation Equipment, 1,100; Computer & Electronic Product, 1,000; Machinery,1,000; Wood, 800;
Plastics & Rubber Products, 700; Chemical, 600; Electrical Equipment, Appliance & Component, 500; and
Furniture & Related Product, 500. Losses were reported in the remaining sectors: Textile Mills, 1,900; Apparel,
500; Printing & Related Support Activities, 500; and Textile Product Mills, 500. Beverage & Tobacco Product
and Fabricated Metal Product reported no over-the-year changes.
• Food remains North Carolina’s leading sector in manufacturing employment at 53,200. Chemical follows with
42,800.
Other Information
• Preliminary Average Hourly Earnings in North Carolina for manufacturing production workers increased by
1 cent in November to $16.58, while Average Weekly Hours rose 24 minutes to 41.2. Average Weekly Earnings
increased $7.04 from $676.06 to $683.10.
• North Carolina paid $200.3 million in Unemployment Insurance benefi ts (all programs) to claimants in November.
These payments include state and federally funded benefi ts.
• The number of Initial Claims fi led in North Carolina for Unemployment Insurance benefi ts increased in
November to 60,805. Approximately $94.7 million was paid in regular UI benefi ts to 100,946 unemployed
persons across the state. The average weekly benefi t amount was $285.98, which does not include the $25 Federal
Additional Compensation (FAC) payment from The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
December 2012 NC Today i
Table of Contents
United States/North Carolina Labor Force Data, November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
United States/North Carolina Unemployment Rates, January 2010–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
United States Labor Force, November 2011–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
North Carolina Labor Force, November 2011–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Unemployment Rates by State, October 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
North Carolina Unemployment Rates by County, October 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
North Carolina Total Nonfarm Employment, January 2007–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
North Carolina Industry Employment, November 2012 (Seasonally Adjusted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
North Carolina Industry Employment Net Change, November 2011–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
North Carolina Service Providing, January 1990–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
North Carolina Goods Producing, January 1990–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
North Carolina Industry Supersector Employment, November 2012 (Not Seasonally Adjusted ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
North Carolina MSA Total Nonfarm Employment, November 2012 (Not Seasonally Adjusted ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Employment Change in North Carolina Manufacturing Industries Comparison of November 2002, 2007 & 2012 . . . . . . 12
Hours and Earnings, November 2011–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
North Carolina Regular UI Initial Claims Activity, January 2007–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
North Carolina New and Attached Claims Activity, November 2011–November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
North Carolina MSA Regular UI Initial Claims Activity, November 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Private Industry Workers Compensation Per Hours Worked, South Atlantic Region/United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
North Carolina’s Hourly Paid Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Percent of Hourly Paid Workers, Annual Averages, 2001-2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Percent of Hourly Paid Worker’s by Gender, Annual Averages, 2001-2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Comparison of South Atlantic Region’s Hourly Paid Workers, Annual Averages, 2001-2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
i i December 2012 NC Today
Source: NC data: LAUS, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division; US data: Current Population Survey, BLS
P Preliminary; R Revised; B Benchmarked Note: May not sum due to rounding. Starting with the January 2012 national labor force statistics, BLS incorporated the population controls that
refl ect the results of the 2010 Census. BLS did not revise historical data based on the new population controls; therefore, labor forces statistics for 2012 are not directly comparable with
previous years’ data. More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/LausSelection.aspx
United States/North Carolina Labor Force Data
November 2012
1 December 2012 NC Today
(Civilian Labor Force Estimates)
Month Ago Year Ago
NovemberP
2012
OctoberR
2012
NovemberB
2011
Numeric
Change
Percent
Change
Numeric
Change
Percent
Change
North Carolina
Smoothed
Seasonally Adjusted
Labor Force 4,735,812 4,709,500 4,670,271 26,312 0.6 65,541 1.4
Employed 4,304,088 4,269,204 4,183,561 34,884 0.8 120,527 2.9
Unemployed 431,724 440,296 486,710 -8,572 -1.9 -54,986 -11.3
Unemployment Rate 9.1 9.3 10.4 -0.2 xxx -1.3 xxx
Not Seasonally Adjusted
Labor Force 4,746,122 4,761,554 4,665,828 -15,432 -0.3 80,294 1.7
Employed 4,321,229 4,343,231 4,195,790 -22,002 -0.5 125,439 3.0
Unemployed 424,893 418,323 470,038 6,570 1.6 -45,145 -9.6
Unemployment Rate 9.0 8.8 10.1 0.2 xxx -1.1 xxx
(Civilian Labor Force Estimates)
Month Ago Year Ago
November
2012
October
2012
November
2011
Numeric
Change
Percent
Change
Numeric
Change
Percent
Change
United States
Seasonally Adjusted
Labor Force 155,291,000 155,641,000 153,937,000 -350,000 -0.2 xxx xxx
Employed 143,262,000 143,384,000 140,614,000 -122,000 -0.1 xxx xxx
Unemployed 12,029,000 12,258,000 13,323,000 -229,000 -1.9 xxx xxx
Unemployment Rate 7.7 7.9 8.7 -0.2 xxx xxx xxx
Not Seasonally Adjusted
Labor Force 154,953,000 155,779,000 153,683,000 -826,000 -0.5 xxx xxx
Employed 143,549,000 144,039,000 141,070,000 -490,000 -0.3 xxx xxx
Unemployed 11,404,000 11,741,000 12,613,000 -337,000 -2.9 xxx xxx
Unemployment Rate 7.4 7.5 8.2 -0.1 xxx xxx xxx
The smoothed seasonally adjusted North Carolina civilian labor force increased 26,312 to 4,735,812 from October
to November 2012. The number of persons unemployed fell 1.9 percent to 431,724, while the number of persons
employed increased 0.8 percent to 4,304,088. The unemployment rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 9.1
percent. North Carolina’s labor force participation rate increased 0.3 of a percentage point to 63.0 percent from
October.
Over the year, North Carolina’s labor force increased 65,541 (1.4%), while the number of persons unemployed
declined 54,986 (11.3%). The number of persons employed rose 120,527 (2.9%). The unemployment rate decreased
1.3 percentage points.
The United States’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force decreased 0.2 percent to 155,291,000 over the month. The
number of persons unemployed decreased 1.9 percent to 12,029,000, and those employed decreased by 0.1 percent to
143,262,000. The nation’s unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percent to 7.7 percent. The labor force participation rate
decreased 0.2 percent to 63.6 percent.
United States\North Carolina Unemployment Rates
January 2010-November 2012
(Smoothed Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: NC data: LAUS, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division.
More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/LausSelection.aspx
Note: North Carolina November 2012 data are preliminary, other 2012 data are revised, while all other data refl ect model re-estimation and new seasonal adjustment.
Source: NC data: LAUS, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division; US data: Current Population Survey, BLS
Note: North Carolina November 2012 data are preliminary, other 2012 data are revised, while all other data refl ect model re-estimation and new seasonal adjustment. Starting with the January
2012 national labor force statistics, BLS incorporated the population controls that refl ect the results of the 2010 Census. BLS did not revise historical data based on the new population controls;
therefore, labor forces statistics for 2012 are not directly comparable with previous years’ data. More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/LausSelection.aspx
North Carolina Labor Force
November 2011-November 2012
(Smoothed Seasonally Adjusted)
United States Labor Force
November 2011-November 2012
(Seasonally Adjusted)
2 December 2012 NC Today
7
8
9
10
11
12
Jan. 10
April
July
Oct.
Jan. 11
April
July
Oct.
Jan. 12
April
July
Oct.
Percent
NC* US
4,550
4,600
4,650
4,700
4,750
Nov. 11
Dec. 11
Jan. 12
Feb. 12
March 12
April 12
May 12
June 12
July 12
Aug. 12
Sept. 12
Oct. 12
Nov. 12
In Thousands
NC
153,250
154,000
154,750
155,500
156,250
Nov. 11
Dec. 11
Jan. 12
Feb. 12
March 12
April 12
May 12
June 12
July 12
Aug. 12
Sept. 12
Oct. 12
Nov. 12
In Thousands
US
Prepared by North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division 12_12
MI
Note: States' October 2012 data are preliminary. * US data are not smoothed.
NY
7.1
5.5
10.4
TX
CA
MT
AZ
ID
NV
NM
CO
IL
OR
UT
KS
WY
NE IA
SD
MN
ND
FL
OK
WI
MO
AL
WA
GA
AR
LA
IN
PA
NC
MS
TN
VA
KY
OH
SC
ME
WV
VT
NH
NJ
MA
CT
MD
DE
RI
DC
8.2
6.0
7.4
3.1
4.5
5.2
6.9
7.0
5.5
8.6 5.8 5.7
5.1
6.6
3.8
8.7
8.1
9.0
9.7
11.5 8.0
5.2
10.1
6.9
8.8
8.5
6.8
7.9 7.5 6.7
8.4
5.7 5.7
6.9
8.1 5.3
9.3
8.2
6.6
6.3
8.9 8.1
8.7
7.2 8.6
6.6
8.5
9.1
AK
HI
Unemployment Rates By State
Smoothed Seasonally Adjusted
October 2012
U.S. Rate = 7.9%*
9.4% to 11.5%
7.6% to 9.3%
6.1% to 7.5%
4.6% to 6.0%
3.0% to 4.5%
State unemployment rates were little changed in October. Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia recorded
unemployment rate decreases, seven states posted rate increases, and six states had no change. Forty-two states and
the District of Columbia registered unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier, while eight states experienced
increases. The national jobless rate, at 7.9 percent, was essentially unchanged from September, but was 1.0
percentage point lower than in October 2011.
Nevada continued to record the highest unemployment rate among the states at 11.5 percent in October. Rhode
Island and California posted the next highest rates, 10.4 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively. Again, North Dakota
registered the lowest jobless rate, 3.1 percent. In total, 23 states reported jobless rates signifi cantly lower than the
U.S. fi gure of 7.9 percent, 10 states had measurably higher rates, and 17 states and the District of Columbia had rates
that were not appreciably different from that of the nation.
Fourteen states reported statistically signifi cant over-the-month unemployment rate decreases in October. The
largest of these occurred in South Carolina (0.5 of a percentage point), followed by Alaska and Wisconsin (0.4 of
a percentage point each). The remaining 36 states and the District of Columbia recorded jobless rates that were not
measurably different from those of a month earlier.
Four of North Carolina’s neighboring states had unemployment rates that decreased in October: Georgia (8.7
percent), South Carolina (8.6 percent), Tennessee (8.2 percent), and Virginia (5.7 percent).
More information can be found at: http://www.bls.gov/lau/
December 2012 NC Today 3
New
Hanover
Pitt
Wake
Hyde
Duplin
Bladen
Bertie
Pender
Wilkes
Moore
Union
Halifax
Robeson
Nash
Surry
Beaufort
Onslow
Craven
Sampson
Iredell
Columbus
Swain
Burke
Johnston
Ashe
Guilford
Anson
Randolph
Harnett Wayne
Brunswick
Jones
Chatham
Macon
Rowan
Hoke
Martin
Lee
Stokes
Tyrrell
Stanly
Lenoir
Franklin
Warren
Buncombe
Granville
Davidson
Jackson
Dare
Haywood
Gates
Person
Caldwell
Wilson
Forsyth
Carteret
Caswell
Polk
Orange
Cumberland
Madison
Rutherford
Yadkin
Gaston
Clay
Cherokee
Richmond
Cleveland
Catawba
Davie
Rockingham
McDowell
Hertford
Vance
Alamance
Avery
Pamlico
Lincoln
Yancey
Northampton
Edgecombe
Mecklenburg
Montgomery
Cabarrus
Durham
Graham
Scotland
Greene
Watauga
Henderson
Washington
Transylvania
Mitchell
Alexander
Alleghany
Camden
Chowan
Perquimans
Pasquotank
Currituck
10.7
7.7
9.8
6.8
9.5
8.8
7.7
8.4
8.1
9.2
6.4
8.0
11.4
8.1
12.1
6.7
9.4
9.1
9.2
7.4
12.1
10.0
9.2 9.4
8.4
7.3
8.7
10.1
9.3
9.0
9.9
12.6
8.0 11.1
7.9
8.8
9.9
8.0
7.7
7.6
8.7
10.0
9.1
8.2
10.5
9.0
9.0
12.3
9.4
5.6
7.6
11.3
11.1
10.0
8.9
10.5
8.6
6.5
10.0
10.2
8.1
13.8
10.0
9.5
9.3
6.9
11.6
12.0
10.2
8.1
10.7
11.3
10.2
11.2
9.6
7.3
9.6
7.1
10.0
8.5
11.5
10.6
11.4
8.7
9.2
9.3
9.1
9.5
7.2
6.8
15.7
8.5
5.5
15.1
8.5
12.2
10.8
9.5
10.3
8.8
10.1
North Carolina Unemployment Rates by County
October 2012
Note: October 2012 data are preliminary.
Prepared by North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division 11_2012
North Carolina Rate 8.8%
Not Seasonally Adjusted
16 Counties Higher Than Previous Month
76 Counties Lower Than Previous Month
8 Counties Same as Previous Month
^^
=
October 2012
5.5% to 7.5%
7.6% to 9.0%
9.1% to 10.5%
10.6% to 12.5%
12.6% to 16.0%
Between September and October, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 76 of North Carolina’s
100 counties in October, increased in 16, and were unchanged in eight. Currituck County experienced the lowest rate
at 5.5 percent, while Scotland County had the highest rate at 15.7 percent. Gaston County experienced the largest
over-the-month increase, up 1.4 percentage points from last month’s revised rate of 11.4 percent, while Northampton
County had the largest over-the-month decrease of 1.0 percentage point from last month’s revised rate of 11.0
percent. Thirty-fi ve counties across the state had unemployment rates at 10 percent and above, while 65 counties’
rates were between 5 and 10 percent. Thirty-nine counties were at or below the statewide not seasonally adjusted rate
of 8.8 percent.
Over the year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates fell in 98 counties and increased in two. The October
2011 county rates ranged from 5.9 percent in Currituck County to 17.7 percent in Scotland County.
More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/LausSelection.aspx
4 December 2012 NC Today
The beginning of the last recession was December 2007 and ended June 2009. Based on this designation, the
national recession offi cially lasted 18 months. However, North Carolina, like the rest of the nation, is still dealing
with a prolonged period of high unemployment and slow job growth.
While the recession offi cially began in December 2007, North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm
employment peaked in February 2008 at 4,183,800. The state experienced 24 months of continuous decline until it
reached its lowest level of Total Nonfarm employment in February 2010 when employment reached 3,850,400.
Between the peak in employment in February 2008 and the low of February 2010, North Carolina lost 333,400 jobs
— a decrease of 8.0 percent. All major industrial sectors experienced job declines with the exception of Education
& Health Services and Government, which experienced modest gains of 7,400 jobs and 4,200 jobs, respectively.
The largest job losses were experienced in Manufacturing (98,600), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (73,500),
Construction (72,100), and Professional & Business Services (36,500).
Based on November’s preliminary employment estimates, North Carolina’s economy has gained 145,300 jobs since
the low in February 2010. The state has experienced over-the-month increases in 18 of the last 33 months. The
largest job growth has been in Professional & Business Services, which has added 57,100 jobs, mostly due to growth
in Administrative & Support & Waste Management & Remediation Services (32,600). Employment in the Private
sector rose by 150,000 since February 2010. The largest job loss occurred in Government, which lost 4,700 jobs with
all of the loss coming from State (3,800) and Local Government (1,300).
North Carolina
Total Nonfarm Employment
January 2007-November 2012
(Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division. More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
Note: November 2012 data are preliminary, previous months’ data are revised, while all other data are benchmarked.
December 2012 NC Today 5
3,500
3,600
3,700
3,800
3,900
4,000
4,100
4,200
4,300
Jan. 07
March 07
May 07
July 07
Sept. 07
Nov. 07
Jan. 08
March 08
May 08
July 08
Sept. 08
Nov. 08
Jan. 09
March 09
May 09
July 09
Sept. 09
Nov. 09
Jan. 10
March 10
May 10
July 10
Sept. 10
Nov. 10
Jan. 11
March 11
May 11
July 11
Sept. 11
Nov. 11
Jan. 12
March 12
May 12
July 12
Sept. 12
Nov. 12
In Thousands
National recession began
December 2007
Employment Peak
February 2008
National recession ended
June 2009
Employment Trough
February 2010
4,176,700 4,183,800
3,901,700
3,850,400
3,995,700
Peak to Trough
-333,400
North Carolina Industry Employment
November 2012
(Seasonally Adjusted, In Thousands)
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division
P Preliminary; R Revised: B Benchmarked More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
6 December 2012 NC Today
Total Employment Net & Percent Change
NAICS Industry NovemberP
2012
OctoberR
2012
NovemberB
2011
From October
2012
From November
2011
Net Percent Net Percent
Total Nonfarm 3,995.7 3,965.1 3,935.7 30.6 0.8% 60.0 1.5%
Total Private 3,297.4 3,269.2 3,236.3 28.2 0.9% 61.1 1.9%
Goods Producing 617.9 612.3 616.0 5.6 0.9% 1.9 0.3%
Service Providing 3,377.8 3,352.8 3,319.7 25.0 0.7% 58.1 1.8%
Private Service Providing 2,679.5 2,656.9 2,620.3 22.6 0.9% 59.2 2.3%
Mining & Logging 5.4 5.4 5.6 0.0 0.0% -0.2 -3.6%
Construction 172.8 171.1 177.5 1.7 1.0% -4.7 -2.6%
Manufacturing 439.7 435.8 432.9 3.9 0.9% 6.8 1.6%
Durable Goods 231.3 228.2 228.6 3.1 1.4% 2.7 1.2%
Nondurable Goods 208.4 207.6 204.3 0.8 0.4% 4.1 2.0%
Trade, Transportation & Utilities 743.4 736.1 727.1 7.3 1.0% 16.3 2.2%
Wholesale Trade 171.2 171.5 164.5 -0.3 -0.2% 6.7 4.1%
Retail Trade 452.2 444.6 444.3 7.6 1.7% 7.9 1.8%
Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities 120.0 120.0 118.3 0.0 0.0% 1.7 1.4%
Information 69.2 69.4 68.0 -0.2 -0.3% 1.2 1.8%
Financial Activities 204.0 203.4 201.1 0.6 0.3% 2.9 1.4%
Finance & Insurance 159.3 158.4 156.2 0.9 0.6% 3.1 2.0%
Real Estate, Rental & Leasing 44.7 45.0 44.9 -0.3 -0.7% -0.2 -0.4%
Professional & Business Services 528.9 523.5 514.0 5.4 1.0% 14.9 2.9%
Professional, Scientifi c & Technical Svcs 195.2 194.4 187.2 0.8 0.4% 8.0 4.3%
Management of Companies & Enterprises 79.8 79.0 77.7 0.8 1.0% 2.1 2.7%
Admin. & Support & Waste Mgmt. 253.9 250.1 249.1 3.8 1.5% 4.8 1.9%
Education & Health Services 561.4 556.5 551.3 4.9 0.9% 10.1 1.8%
Educational Services 91.4 90.4 89.2 1.0 1.1% 2.2 2.5%
Health Care & Social Assistance 470.0 466.1 462.1 3.9 0.8% 7.9 1.7%
Leisure & Hospitality Services 416.5 411.9 401.4 4.6 1.1% 15.1 3.8%
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation 58.0 54.9 54.7 3.1 5.6% 3.3 6.0%
Accommodation & Food Services 358.5 357.0 346.7 1.5 0.4% 11.8 3.4%
Other Services 156.1 156.1 157.4 0.0 0.0% -1.3 -0.8%
Government 698.3 695.9 699.4 2.4 0.3% -1.1 -0.2%
Federal 68.9 69.4 69.8 -0.5 -0.7% -0.9 -1.3%
State 193.3 193.3 195.6 0.0 0.0% -2.3 -1.2%
Local 436.1 433.2 434.0 2.9 0.7% 2.1 0.5%
In November 2012, North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment gained 30,600 jobs over the
month and 60,000 jobs over the year. The United States added 146,000 Total Nonfarm jobs over the month and
1,889,000 over the year.
North Carolina’s Private sector gained 28,200 jobs over the month and 61,100 jobs over the year. The Service
Providing industries, which includes all industries except Mining & Logging, Construction, and Manufacturing,
increased by 25,000 jobs over the month and 58,100 jobs over the year. The Goods Producing industries gained
5,600 jobs over the month and 1,900 jobs over the year.
Seasonally Adjusted, eight of the 11 major North Carolina industrial sectors experienced job gains over the month.
Trade, Transportation & Utilities (7,300) had the largest net increase, followed by Professional & Business Services
(5,400), Education & Health Services (4,900), Leisure & Hospitality Services (4,600), Manufacturing (3,900),
Government (2,400), Construction (1,700), and Financial Activities (600). Of the remaining three industrial sectors,
Information lost 200 jobs with Mining & Logging (5,400) and Other Services (156,100) showing no change over the
month.
It is important to note that industry employment estimates are subject to large seasonal patterns. Seasonal adjustment
factors are applied to the data. However, these factors may not fully capture the seasonal trend. Therefore, when
interpreting the changes in industry employment, it is advisable to focus on over-the-year changes in both the
seasonally adjusted series and not seasonally adjusted series.
Seven major industrial sectors experienced seasonally adjusted job growth over the year. Trade, Transportation &
Utilities increased 16,300 with gains in Retail Trade (7,900), Wholesale Trade (6,700) and Transportation & Utilities
(1,700). Leisure & Hospitality added 15,100 jobs with an increase in Accommodation & Food Services (11,800).
Professional & Business Services gained 14,900 due mostly to an increase in Professional, Scientifi c & Technical
Services (8,000). Education & Health Services rose 10,100 with gains in Health Care & Social Assistance (7,900)
and Educational Services (2,200). Manufacturing increased by 6,800 jobs with gains in Durable Goods (2,700) and
Nondurable Goods (4,100). Financial Activities rose by 2,900 jobs with a gain in Finance & Insurance (3,100) and a
loss in Real Estate & Rental & Leasing (200). Information added 1,200.
Of the four major industrial sectors remaining, job losses occurred in Construction, 4,700; Other Services, 1,300;
Government, 1,100 and Mining & Logging, 200.
North Carolina Industry Employment Net Change
November 2011-November 2012
(Seasonally Adjusted)
December 2012 NC Today 7
-4.7
-1.3
-1.1
-0.2
1.2
2.9
5.0
10.1
14.9
15.1
16.3
-5.0 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0
Construction
Other Services
Government
Mining & Logging
Information
Financial Activities
Manufacturing
Education & Health Services
Professional & Business Services
Leisure & Hospitality Services
Trade, Transportation & Utilities
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division. More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
Note: November 2012 data are preliminary; previous years’ data are benchmarked.
Since the beginning of the 2007 national recession (December 2007), North Carolina has lost 174,100 Goods
Producing jobs. Since the end of the recession in June 2009, North Carolina’s Goods Producing industries
experienced a decline of 23,600 jobs.
Since the beginning of the 2007 national recession (December 2007), North Carolina’s Service Providing sector has
lost 6,900 jobs. Since the end of the recession in June 2009, North Carolina’s Service Providing sector has gained
117,600 jobs.
North Carolina Goods Producing
January 1990-November 2012
(Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division
Note: November 2012 data are preliminary, previous months’ data are revised, while all other data are benchmarked. Recession periods documented in above graph represent the
dates July 1990-March 1991, March 2001-November 2001, and December 2007-June 2009. More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
North Carolina Service Providing
January 1990-November 2012
(Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division
Note: November 2012 data are preliminary, previous months’ data are revised, while all other data are benchmarked. Recession periods documented in above graph represent the
dates July 1990-March 1991, March 2001-November 2001, and December 2007-June 2009. More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
8 December 2012 NC Today
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
1,100
1,200
Jan. 90
Jan. 91
Jan. 92
Jan. 93
Jan. 94
Jan. 95
Jan. 96
Jan. 97
Jan. 98
Jan. 99
Jan. 00
Jan. 01
Jan. 02
Jan. 03
Jan. 04
Jan. 05
Jan. 06
Jan. 07
Jan. 08
Jan. 09
Jan. 10
Jan. 11
Jan. 12
In Thousands
Goods Producing
1990-1991 Recession 2001 Recession 2007-2009 Recession
2,000
2,200
2,400
2,600
2,800
3,000
3,200
3,400
3,600
Jan. 90
Jan. 91
Jan. 92
Jan. 93
Jan. 94
Jan. 95
Jan. 96
Jan. 97
Jan. 98
Jan. 99
Jan. 00
Jan. 01
Jan. 02
Jan. 03
Jan. 04
Jan. 05
Jan. 06
Jan. 07
Jan. 08
Jan. 09
Jan. 10
Jan. 11
Jan. 12
In Thousands
Service Providing
1990-1991 Recession 2001 Recession 2007-2009 Recession
July 1990: 998,300
November 2001: 904,000
March 1991: 951,000 November 2012: 617,900
December 2007: 792,000
June 2009: 641,500
July 1990: 2,129,000
March 1991: 2,121,200
March 2001: 2,964,400
December 2007: 3,384,700
June 2009: 3,260,200
November 2012: 3,377,800
November 2001: 2,947,500
March 2001: 970,400
North Carolina Industry Supersector Employment
November 2012
(Not Seasonally Adjusted, In Thousands)
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division
P Preliminary; R Revised: B Benchmarked More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
The November 2012 not seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment level of 4,027,400 was 28,700 higher than
October 2012. Five major industries in North Carolina showed an over-the-month gain in November 2012. Trade,
Transportation & Utilities had the largest increase in employment at 16,100 (2.2%), followed by Education & Health
Services, 7,700 (1.4%); Government, 5,500 (0.8%); Manufacturing, 4,000 (0.9%); and Information, 500 (0.7%).
Of the six major industries remaining, Leisure & Hospitality lost 3,800 (0.9%) jobs followed by Professional &
Business Services, 600 (0.1%); Other Services, 400 (0.3%); Financial Activities, 200 (0.1%); and Construction 100
(0.1%). Mining & Logging (5,400) showed no change over the month.
Over the year, the Service Providing sector (all industries except Mining & Logging, Construction, and
Manufacturing) showed an increase of 54,700 (1.6%) jobs. Trade, Transportation & Utilities, 15,800 (2.1%),
experienced the largest employment increase followed by Leisure & Hospitality, 14,700 (3.7%); Professional &
Business Services, 13,900 (2.7%); Education & Health Services, 10,100 (1.8%); Financial Activities, 3,000 (1.5%);
and Information, 1,200 (1.7%). Government lost 3,100 (0.4%) jobs and Other Services, 900 (0.6%) jobs.
The Goods Producing sector gained 2,300 (0.4%) jobs over the year. Manufacturing increased 7,500 (1.7%) jobs.
Construction decreased by 5,000 (2.8%) and Mining & Logging lost 200 (3.6%) jobs over the year.
December 2012 NC Today 9
Total Employment Net & Percent Change
NAICS Industry NovemberP
2012
OctoberR
2012
NovemberB
2011
From October
2012
From November
2011
Net Percent Net Percent
Total Nonfarm 4,027.4 3,998.7 3,970.4 28.7 0.7% 57.0 1.4%
Total Private 3,310.4 3,287.2 3,250.3 23.2 0.7% 60.1 1.8%
Goods Producing 620.8 616.9 618.5 3.9 0.6% 2.3 0.4%
Service Providing 3,406.6 3,381.8 3,351.9 24.8 0.7% 54.7 1.6%
Private Service Providing 2,689.6 2,670.3 2,631.8 19.3 0.7% 57.8 2.2%
Mining & Logging 5.4 5.4 5.6 0.0 0.0% -0.2 -3.6%
Construction 174.8 174.9 179.8 -0.1 -0.1% -5.0 -2.8%
Manufacturing 440.6 436.6 433.1 4.0 0.9% 7.5 1.7%
Trade, Transportation & Utilities 754.4 738.3 738.6 16.1 2.2% 15.8 2.1%
Information 69.8 69.3 68.6 0.5 0.7% 1.2 1.7%
Financial Activities 204.0 204.2 201.0 -0.2 -0.1% 3.0 1.5%
Professional & Business Services 530.1 530.7 516.2 -0.6 -0.1% 13.9 2.7%
Education & Health Services 567.0 559.3 556.9 7.7 1.4% 10.1 1.8%
Leisure & Hospitality 409.0 412.8 394.3 -3.8 -0.9% 14.7 3.7%
Other Services 155.3 155.7 156.2 -0.4 -0.3% -0.9 -0.6%
Government 717.0 711.5 720.1 5.5 0.8% -3.1 -0.4%
North Carolina MSA Total Nonfarm Employment
November 2012
(Not Seasonally Adjusted, In Thousands)
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division
P Preliminary; R Revised: B Benchmarked More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
In not seasonally adjusted data, all of North Carolina’s 14 MSAs experienced Total Nonfarm employment growth
in November. The Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill MSA posted the largest Total Nonfarm gain (7,700), followed by
Raleigh/Cary (4,800). The Goldsboro MSA reported the smallest over-the-month growth in jobs (200).
Mining & Logging and Construction employment varied across the MSAs with Raleigh/Cary showing the largest
over-the-month increase of 200 (0.7%) jobs. Two MSAs posted the largest over- the-month decreases — Asheville
lost 200 (2.7%) jobs and Greensboro/High Point dropped 200 (1.4%) jobs due to declines within Specialty Trade
Contractors.
Manufacturing employment varied across the MSAs with the Winston-Salem MSA posting the largest over-the-month
increase of 500 (2.3%) jobs. Losses were posted in Asheville at 300 (1.7%) and Durham/Chapel Hill at 300
(0.8%). In Durham/Chapel Hill, Durable Goods lost 200 jobs and Nondurable, 100.
Trade, Transportation & Utilities employment increased in all MSAs with Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill
posting the largest over-the-month gain of 4,400 (2.5%) jobs. Retail Trade added 4,000 jobs due to increases in
Food & Beverage Stores (400) and General Merchandise Stores (1,600). Raleigh/Cary added 2,700 (2.8%) jobs this
month with all of the gain coming from Retail Trade due to growth in Food & Beverage Stores (500) and General
Merchandise Stores (1,000). Greensboro/High Point gained 1,900 (2.8%) jobs with Retail Trade accounting for much
of the increase at 1,700 jobs.
Information remained largely unchanged this month with no job gains or losses in most of the MSAs. Four
MSAs reported a gain of 100 jobs each — Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill, Durham/Chapel Hill, Raleigh/Cary, and
Wilmington — due to increases in Telecommunication.
Financial Activities were largely unchanged this month with no job gains or losses in most of the MSAs. Two
MSAs posted job losses: Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill had the largest over-the-month decrease at 1,400 (1.9%) jobs,
followed by Raleigh/Cary at 300 (1.1%) jobs. In Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill, Finance and Insurance decreased by
1,100 jobs, while Real Estate & Rental & Leasing lost 300 jobs.
1 0 December 2012 NC Today
Total Employment Net & Percent Change
Metropolitan Statistical Area NovemberP
2012
OctoberR
2012
NovemberB
2011
From October
2012
From November
2011
Net Percent Net Percent
Asheville 174.7 173.9 170.8 0.8 0.5% 3.9 2.3%
Burlington 59.1 58.6 58.4 0.5 0.9% 0.7 1.2%
Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill NC-SC 859.1 851.4 836.2 7.7 0.9% 22.9 2.7%
Durham/Chapel Hill 282.6 281.3 278.2 1.3 0.5% 4.4 1.6%
Fayetteville 133.2 132.6 133.0 0.6 0.5% 0.2 0.2%
Goldsboro 43.9 43.7 43.5 0.2 0.5% 0.4 0.9%
Greensboro/High Point 352.2 350.5 346.8 1.7 0.5% 5.4 1.6%
Greenville 77.6 76.8 76.7 0.8 1.0% 0.9 1.2%
Hickory/Lenoir/Morganton 146.3 145.7 144.1 0.6 0.4% 2.2 1.5%
Jacksonville 49.4 48.9 47.9 0.5 1.0% 1.5 3.1%
Raleigh/Cary 528.5 523.7 517.5 4.8 0.9% 11.0 2.1%
Rocky Mount 61.7 61.0 59.9 0.7 1.1% 1.8 3.0%
Wilmington 136.6 136.2 136.3 0.4 0.3% 0.3 0.2%
Winston-Salem 207.7 207.2 209.1 0.5 0.2% -1.4 -0.7%
Professional & Business Services employment varied across the MSAs this month with the Durham/Chapel Hill
and Raleigh/Cary MSAs both posting the largest over-the-month gains at 700 jobs each. Asheville and Winston-
Salem both reported the largest over-the-month loss at 400 jobs each. Much of Durham/Chapel Hill’s gain came
from Professional, Scientifi c & Technical Services at 500 jobs, while most of the increase in the Raleigh/Cary MSA
came from Administrative & Support & Waste Management at 400 jobs. Half of the Winston-Salem loss came from
Administrative & Support & Waste Management with 200 jobs lost.
Education & Health Services employment either increased or remained unchanged in all MSAs with Raleigh/
Cary having the largest over-the-month gain of 1,000 (1.5%) jobs followed by Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill MSA
with 900 (1.0%). Much of Raleigh/Cary’s gain came from Health Care & Social Assistance (600), while Charlotte/
Gastonia/Rock Hill’s gain was split almost evenly between Health Care & Social Assistance (500) and Educational
Services (400).
Leisure & Hospitality employment varied across the MSAs this month with Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill MSA
posting the largest over-the-month increase of 700 (0.8%) jobs, followed by Asheville with a 500 (2.2%) job gain. A
boost in Accommodation & Food Services (1,400) accounted for the gain in the Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill MSA.
Two MSAs posted losses with Winston-Salem shedding 600 (2.8%) jobs and Wilmington dropping 500 (2.4%).
Other Services remained largely unchanged with only two MSAs reporting employment changes this month. The
Raleigh/Cary MSA posted the largest over-the-month loss of 200 (0.9%) jobs, followed by Durham-Chapel Hill with
a 100 (0.9%). No MSA had an over-the-month gain.
Government employment varied across MSAs this month. Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill posted the largest over-the-month
increase of 1,700 (1.4%) with all of the gain coming from Local Government (1,700). Raleigh/Cary added
700 (0.8%) jobs this month in Government — Local Government added 500 jobs and State Government, 200. The
largest over-the-month decrease came from Greensboro/High Point which loss 700 (1.5%) jobs due to a 600 drop in
Local Government.
December 2012 NC Today 11
Not Seasonally Adjusted, the Manufacturing industrial sector gained 4,000 jobs over the month with most of the
increase coming from Durable Goods (2,900). Nondurable Goods rose 1,100.
Over the year, Manufacturing increased by 7,500 jobs. Durable Goods increased by 3,600 jobs and Nondurable
Goods by 3,900. In Durable Goods, Transportation Equipment (1,100) had the largest increase and in Nondurable
Goods, Food (1,700) showed the greatest gain.
Of North Carolina’s six largest Manufacturing industries in November 2002, all have experienced job losses. Textile
Mills has lost 53,200; Furniture & Related Product, 30,100 jobs; Computer & Electronic Product, 8,300; Fabricated
Metal Product and Chemical, 5,500 each; and Food, 100.
Of North Carolina’s six largest Manufacturing industries in November 2007, all have experienced job losses. Textile
Mills has lost 15,500; Furniture & Related Product, 14,700 jobs; Fabricated Metal Product, 6,200; Computer &
Electronic Product, 5,800; Food, 2,100; and Chemical, 1,700.
Employment Change in North Carolina Manufacturing Industries
Comparison of November 2002, 2007 & 2012
(Not Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division
Note: 2012 data are preliminary, while 2002 & 2007 data are benchmarked. More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
1 2 December 2012 NC Today
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
Wood Product
Fabricated Metal Product
Machinery
Computers & Electronic Product
Electrical Equipment & Appliances
Transportation Equipment
Furniture & Related Product
Food
Beverages & Tobacco Product
Textile Mills
Textile Product Mills
Apparel Mfg.
Printing
Chemical
Plastics & Rubber
In Thousands
November 2002 November 2007 November 2012
Each month, the Current Employment Statistics program provides measures of payroll and hours for all employees
of private Nonfarm establishments for the nation, each state, and more than 400 Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
In North Carolina, Total Private Hours and Earnings posted over-the-month increases in Average Weekly Earnings,
Average Hourly Earnings and Average Weekly Hours. Average Weekly Earnings rose by $6.99 to $751.41, Average
Hourly Earnings grew $0.14 to $21.78, and Average Weekly Hours gained 0.1 (6 minutes) to 34.5. Over the year,
Total Private Hours & Earnings posted gains in Average Weekly Earnings ($22.53), Average Hourly Earnings
($0.53), and Average Weekly Hours 0.2 (12 minutes).
Manufacturing Hours and Earnings posted over-the-month increases in Average Weekly Earnings, Average Hourly
Earnings and Average Weekly Hours. Average Weekly Earnings rose by $15.54 to $846.97, Average Hourly Earnings
increased $0.23 to $20.81, and Average Weekly Hours gained 0.3 (18 minutes) to 40.7. Over the year, Manufacturing
Hours & Earnings posted increases in Average Weekly Earnings ($12.61) and Average Hourly Earnings ($0.41), but
posted a loss in Average Weekly Hours of 0.2 (12 minutes).
Production Hours and Earnings posted over-the-month increases in Average Weekly Earnings, Average Hourly
Earnings and Average Weekly Hours. Average Weekly Earnings grew by $7.04 to $683.10, Average Hourly Earnings
rose $0.01 to $16.58, and Average Weekly Hours increased by 0.4 (24 minutes) to 41.2. Over the year, Production
Hours & Earnings posted gains in Average Weekly Earnings ($10.38) and Average Hourly Earnings ($0.37), but
posted a loss in Average Weekly Hours of 0.3 (18 minutes).
Hours and Earnings
November 2011-November 2012
(Not Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: CES, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division Note: November 2012 data are preliminary, October 2012 data are revised, while 2011 data
are benchmarked. Data are not adjusted for infl ation. More information can be found at: http://esesc23.esc.state.nc.us/d4/CesSelection.aspx
December 2012 NC Today 13
Average Weekly Hours Average Hourly Earnings Average Weekly Earnings
Total
Private Mfg. Production Total
Private Mfg. Production Total
Private Mfg. Production
November 2011 34.3 40.9 41.5 $21.25 $20.40 $16.21 $728.88 $834.36 $672.72
December 34.4 41.0 41.6 $21.32 $20.62 $16.52 $733.41 $845.42 $687.23
January 34.4 41.0 41.1 $21.61 $20.74 $16.56 $743.38 $850.34 $680.62
February 34.3 40.7 40.9 $21.61 $20.65 $16.55 $741.22 $840.46 $676.90
March 34.4 40.9 41.3 $21.51 $20.64 $16.51 $739.94 $844.18 $681.86
April 34.8 41.3 41.4 $21.77 $20.68 $16.59 $757.60 $854.08 $686.83
May 34.3 40.5 40.7 $21.50 $20.43 $16.44 $737.45 $827.42 $669.11
June 34.4 40.5 40.9 $21.67 $20.42 $16.48 $745.45 $827.01 $674.03
July 34.6 40.0 40.4 $21.74 $20.61 $16.57 $750.03 $824.40 $669.43
August 34.3 40.3 40.9 $21.56 $20.36 $16.34 $739.51 $820.51 $668.31
September 34.9 40.9 41.5 $21.90 $20.63 $16.55 $764.31 $843.77 $686.83
October 34.4 40.4 40.8 $21.64 $20.58 $16.57 $744.42 $831.43 $676.06
November 2012 34.5 40.7 41.2 $21.78 $20.81 $16.58 $751.41 $846.97 $683.10
Regular Initial Claims, which totaled 60,805 for the month ending Nov. 30, 2012, increased 1,687 (2.9%) from the
prior month’s total of 59,118. Regular Initial Claims were down 3,817 (5.9%) compared to 64,622 in November
2011; decreased 11,072 (15.4%) compared to 71,877 in 2010; fell 28,133 (31.6%) compared to 88,938 in 2009; and
dropped 27,885 (31.4%) compared to 88,690 in November 2008.
During the month ending Nov. 30, 2012, Attached Initial Claims accounted for 28,595 (47.0%) of the 60,805 Initial
Claims. They accounted for 31,789 (49.2%) of 64,622 Initial Claims for the same period in 2011; 34,848 (48.5%) of
71,877 claims in 2010; 47,519 (53.4%) of 88,938 claims in 2009; and 44,780 (50.5%) of 88,690 claims in 2008.
For the month ending Nov. 30, 2012, the increases in Initial Claims were most notable in the following industries:
Textile Mill Products; Amusement and Recreation Services; Eating and Drinking Places; Heavy Construction
(Other Than Building Construction-Contractors); Furniture and Fixtures; Food and Kindred Products; Industrial and
Commercial Machinery and Computer Equipment; Hotels, Rooming houses, Camps and other Lodging Places; and
Mining and Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (Except Fuels). The decreases in Initial Claims were most notable in
the following industries: Transportation Equipment; Primary Metal Industries; Health Services; and Miscellaneous
Services.
North Carolina Regular UI Initial Claims Activity
January 2007-November 2012
Source: WRE, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division.
More information can be found at: http://www.ncesc1.com/lmi/publications/maps/claimsBenefi tMaps.asp
North Carolina New and Attached Claims Activity
November 2011-November 2012
Source: WRE, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division.
More information can be found at: http://www.ncesc1.com/lmi/publications/maps/claimsBenefi tMaps.asp
1 4 December 2012 NC Today
73% 67%
60%
78% 82% 83% 82% 87% 71% 79% 83%
76% 73%
27% 33%
40%
22% 18% 17% 18% 13%
29%
21%
17%
24% 27%
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
Nov. 11 Dec. 11 Jan. 12 Feb. 12 Mar. 12 Apr. 12 May. 12 Jun. 12 Jul. 12 Aug. 12 Sept. 12 Oct. 12 Nov. 12
Totally Separated Attached To Employer
38,077 39,445
55,420
30,957
28,265 29,376 31,222 29,079
38,533
32,943
26,097
35,422 37,081
Highest Number
January 2009 — 158,659
November 2012 — 60,805
National Recession Ended
June 2009 — 105,907
National Recession Began
December 2007 — 56,514
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
Jan. 07
April 07
July 07
Oct. 07
Jan. 08
April 08
July 08
Oct. 08
Jan. 09
April 09
July 09
Oct. 09
Jan. 10
April 10
July 10
Oct. 10
Jan. 11
April 11
July 11
Oct. 11
Jan. 12
April 12
July 12
Oct. 12
North Carolina MSA Regular UI Initial Claims Activity
November 2012
Source: WRE, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division Note: ‘Regular Initial Claims’ represent transactions and not individuals.
**Does not include Extended Benefi ts and Federal Additional Compensation. *Only includes claims activity in North Carolina.
More information can be found at: http://www.ncesc1.com/lmi/publications/maps/claimsBenefi tMaps.asp
The Division of Employment Security paid $200,266,840 in Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefi ts to unemployed
claimants across North Carolina during November 2012. These payments include state and federally funded benefi ts.
North Carolina paid $94,685,033 in regular UI benefi ts to 100,946 individuals during the month — an increase of
962 claimants since October 2012. The average UI weekly benefi t amount was $285.98 (maximum weekly benefi t is
$535).
During November 2012, the NC UI Trust and State Reserve Funds collected $169.6 million in UI taxes and reported
no interest. The UI Trust Fund ending November 2012 had a negative balance of $2.5 billion, with a State Reserve
balance of $67.2 million. For November 2012, the UI Trust Fund had a federal loan balance of $2.5 billion.
Also in November 2012, 12,820 Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) Initial Claims were fi led, of
which 10,410 were New Claims. During the same period, 153,812 weeks were compensated for EUC08 benefi ts;
86,892 weeks for EUC II benefi ts; 54,298 weeks for EUC III benefi ts; and 47,398 weeks for EUC IV benefi ts. EUC
Initial Claims are not included in the UI Regular Initial Claims counts. The EUC08 benefi ts paid in November
2012 totaled $46,002,803; $25,687,986 was paid in EUC II benefi ts; $15,948,337 was paid in EUC III benefi ts; and
$13,642,374 was paid in EUC IV benefi ts. These benefi ts were paid through federal dollars.
The Extended Benefi ts (EB) Initial Claims fi led in November 2012 totaled 15. A total of 75 weeks were compensated
for EB benefi ts. EB Initial Claims are not included in the UI Regular Initial Claims. The total for EB benefi ts paid in
November 2012 was $17,877.
In November 2012, $496,305 was paid in Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) benefi ts;
$3,784,676 in Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members (UCX) benefi ts; and $1,449 in Federal
Additional Compensation (FAC) benefi ts.
December 2012 NC Today 15
Transactions Individuals
Metropolitan Statistical Area Initial
Claims
Attached
To Payroll Female African-
American White 45 Years
and Older
Regular UI
Benefi ts**
Asheville 2,465 1,316 767 156 1,839 916 $3,083,571
Burlington 1,113 679 409 313 550 482 $1,291,079
Charlotte\Gastonia\Rock Hill NC-SC* 7,600 2,598 3,106 2,872 3,477 2,699 $15,804,940
Durham\Chapel Hill 1,822 727 684 761 709 683 $3,722,559
Fayetteville 1,599 464 679 785 471 488 $2,758,457
Goldsboro 591 236 233 303 207 215 $964,852
Greensboro\High Point 5,070 2,643 1,979 1,776 2,238 2,119 $7,125,053
Greenville 970 459 335 495 270 372 $1,378,549
Hickory\Lenior\Morganton 3,999 2,851 1,301 321 2,905 1,829 $3,610,547
Jacksonville 584 192 241 117 396 235 $850,928
Raleigh\Cary 4,219 1,343 1,738 1,622 1,827 1,612 $9,777,170
Rocky Mount 1,187 470 414 674 332 474 $1,664,422
Wilmington 2,083 584 786 356 1,526 772 $3,558,716
Winston-Salem 2,384 943 822 689 1,327 935 $4,002,782
MSA Total 35,686 15,505 13,494 11,240 18,074 13,831 59,593,625
NC Statewide Total 60,805 28,595 22,014 17,151 32,916 23,713 $94,685,033
% of MSA Total to NC Statewide Total 58.7% 54.2% 61.3% 65.5% 54.9% 58.3% 62.9%
The South Atlantic Region’s Total Compensation of $26.48 per hour worked in Sept. 2012 was $4.32 lower than the
national average of $30.80. Comparatively, the South Atlantic Division and National compensation were distributed
similarly when broken out by the benefi ts paid.
Wages and Salaries reported for the South Atlantic comprised 72.2 percent of Total Compensation. Nationally,
Wages and Salaries comprised 69.2 percent.
The Region’s Retirement and Savings cost $0.81 and was 3.1 percent of Total Compensation. Retirement and
Savings reported nationally for the same time period was $1.42 (4.6%).
Legally Required Benefi ts were 8.1 percent of Total Compensation for the Region, and 7.8 percent nationally. Social
Security and Medicare were 6.0 percent of Total Compensation for the region and 5.6 percent nationally.
Health Insurance Benefi ts comprised 7.1 percent of Total Compensation (or 26.9% of Total Benefi ts) in the region,
while comprising 8.5 percent (29.1% of Total Benefi ts) nationally.
1 6 December 2012 NC Today
South Atlantic United States
Cost Percent Cost Percent
Total Compensation $26.48 100.0% $30.80 100.0%
Wages and Salaries $19.10 72.2% $21.32 69.2%
Total Benefi ts $7.37 27.8% $9.48 30.8%
Paid Leave $1.77 6.7% $2.14 6.9%
Vacation $0.90 3.4% $1.04 3.4%
Holiday $0.56 2.1% $0.65 2.1%
Sick $0.22 0.8% $0.33 1.1%
Personal $0.09 0.3% $0.12 0.4%
Supplemental Pay $0.67 2.5% $0.75 2.4%
Overtime and Premium1 $0.23 0.9% $0.24 0.8%
Shift Differentials $0.06 0.2% $0.06 0.2%
Nonproduction Bonuses $0.38 1.4% $0.45 1.5%
Insurance $1.98 7.5% $2.76 9.0%
Life $0.04 0.1% $0.05 0.2%
Health $1.87 7.0% $2.62 8.5%
Short-Term Disability $0.04 0.2% $0.05 0.2%
Long-Term Disability $0.04 0.1% $0.04 0.1%
Retirement and Savings $0.81 3.1% $1.42 4.6%
Defi ned Benefi ts $0.29 1.1% $0.87 2.8%
Defi ned Contribution $0.52 2.0% $0.56 1.8%
Legally Required Benefi ts $2.14 8.1% $2.41 7.8%
Social Security and Medicare $1.59 6.0% $1.72 5.6%
Social Security2 $1.28 4.8% $1.38 4.5%
Medicare $0.31 1.2% $0.35 1.1%
Federal Unemployment Insurance $0.03 0.1% $0.03 0.1%
State Unemployment Insurance $0.17 0.6% $0.21 0.7%
Workers’ Compensation $0.34 1.3% $0.44 1.4%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employer Cost for Employee Compensation. 1Includes premium pay for work in addition to the regular work schedule (such as overtime, weekends and
holidays). 2Comprises the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program. Note: May not sum due to rounding. Not adjusted for infl ation. Most recent data available. Private
industry workers. South Atlantic Region includes: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. More information
can be found at: http://www.bls.gov/schedule/archives/ecec_nr.htm
Private Industry Workers Compensation Per Hours Worked
South Atlantic Region/United States
September 2012
Of the 2.1 million workers paid hourly rates in North Carolina in 2011, 65,000 earned exactly the prevailing federal
minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, while 75,000 earned less. Together, these workers comprised 6.8 percent of all
hourly paid workers in the state. North Carolina’s minimum wage is equal to the prevailing federal minimum wage.
In 2007, 46,000 hourly paid workers earned the prevailing federal minimum wage or less in North Carolina — the
lowest level since data were fi rst available in 1998. It was also in 2007 that the federal minimum wage began
increasing after holding steady for almost a decade. The initial result was that more North Carolina workers fell into
this category, peaking at 168,000 in 2010.
Of the 140,000 workers earning the prevailing federal minimum wage or less in North Carolina in 2011, 85,000 or
61 percent were women. These women represented 8.2 percent of all women paid hourly rates in North Carolina.
Men accounted for 56,000 or 40 percent of all men who were paid hourly rates.
December 2012 NC Today 17
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
At or below minimum wage At Minimum Wage Below Minimum Wage
North Carolina’s Hourly Paid Workers
Percent of Hourly Paid Workers, Annual Averages
2001-2011
Overall, wage and salary workers earning hourly rates had median hourly earnings of $11.83 in 2011; nationally, the
median was $12.71. The median hourly rates for men and women in North Carolina in 2011 were $12.25 and $11.20,
respectively. For the nation, the comparable fi gures were $13.58 per hour for men and $11.98 per hour for women.
Federal minimum wage = $5.15
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Total Male Workers Total Female Workers
= $5.85
= $6.55
= $7.25
Percent of Hourly Paid Workers by Gender, Annual Averages
2001-2011
In 2011, North Carolina’s portion of paid hourly workers earning at or below the prevailing federal minimum
wage ranked in the top quarter among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2011. Georgia had the highest
portion of hourly paid workers earning at or below the prevailing federal minimum wage, 9.6 percent, followed by
Mississippi at 8.5 percent, and Texas, 8.0 percent.
In the Southeast region, as defi ned by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida,
Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia), South Carolina has no minimum-wage
law, while Georgia has a minimum-wage rate lower than the federal minimum wage. All other Southeast states
have rates the same or higher than the federal minimum wage.
It should be noted that, as of Jan. 1, 2012, 18 states and the District of Columbia had laws establishing minimum
wage standards that exceeded the federal level of $7.25 per hour.
1. All self-employed persons are excluded, whether or not their businesses are incorporated. 2. Data may not sum due to rounding.
3. Data for 2007-2009 refl ect changes in the minimum wage that took place in those years. 4. Hourly earnings do not include overtime pay, commissions, or tips. 5. Worker totals are
refl ected in thousands.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. More data can be found at www.bls.gov
Comparison of South Atlantic Region’s Hourly Paid Workers, Annual Averages
2001-2011
1 8 December 2012 NC Today
Attached Claims: Claims fi led by an individual who is either partially or totally unemployed because of lack of
work during a payroll week as established by his/her employer, but the individual retains his attachment to the
payroll and work force of that employer.
Average Hourly Earnings: The average hourly earnings of all workers in selected industries. Earnings are
calculated monthly from data collected through the Current Employment Statistics (CES) Program.
Average Weekly Benefi t Amount (AWBA): Benefi ts Paid for Total Unemployment divided by Weeks Compensated
for Total Unemployment.
Average Weekly Hours: The average hours worked in a week for all workers in selected industries. They are
calculated monthly from data collected through the Current Employment Statistics (CES) Program.
Benchmark: The annual process of re-estimating statistics as more complete information becomes available.
Estimates are usually calculated using only a sample of the universe (total count). Benchmarking introduces new
levels as points of reference (either estimates or counts) from which measurements and/or adjustments to estimates
are based. Both industry employment collected by the Current Employment Statistics (CES) program and civilian
labor force estimates provided by the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program are benchmarked.
Benefi ts Paid: The unemployment benefi ts paid to individuals under a state program, usually the fi rst 26 weeks of
benefi ts, for all weeks compensated including partial payments.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The federal agency that functions as the principal data-gathering source for
labor economics for the federal government. As a part of the U.S. Department of Labor and in partnership with state
agencies, the BLS collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates data relating to employment, unemployment, the
labor force, productivity, prices, family expenditures, wages, industrial relations, and occupational safety and health.
Civilian Labor Force: All persons in the civilian noninstitutional population (e.g., not on active duty in the Armed
Forces, residing in penal, mental facilities or homes for the aged), 16 years of age and older and classifi ed as either
employed or unemployed. These estimates are calculated based on residency, not work location.
Civilian Noninstitutional Population: All persons 16 years of age and older who reside in the United States, are not
institutionalized or on active duty in the Armed Forces.
Current Employment Statistics (CES): A federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)/state North Carolina
Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division cooperative program which performs a monthly
survey of approximately 17,000 to 18,000 businesses in North Carolina that collects information as to the number of
jobs on the payroll during the week that includes the 12th of that month. This data, which represents employment by
industry division, are commonly referred to as the “establishment survey,” “industry employment” or the “wage and
salary employment series.” Each month, the CES program releases preliminary employment and hours and earnings
data for the prior month and revised data for the month preceding the prior month. Estimates are benchmarked
annually at the beginning of each to refl ect additional data collection. Estimates are calculated based on work
location, not residency. Individuals who hold more than one job could be counted more than once.
Current Population Survey (CPS) or “Household Survey”: A monthly household survey conducted by the
Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The information gathered from a sample of about 60,000
households nationally (approximately 1,500 households in North Carolina) is designed to be a representation of the
civilian noninstitutional population aged 16 years and older and is used in calculating estimates of the civilian labor
force, employment, unemployment and the unemployment rate for all states. Unlike the CES survey, individuals who
participate in this survey and who are working at more than one job, are counted as employed only once.
Durable Goods: Known as “hard goods,” the term refers to manufactured or processed items generally considered
to have a normal life expectancy of three years or more. The durable goods manufacturing industries are: Furniture
& Related Product; Wood Product; Nonmetallic Mineral Product; Fabricated Metal Product; Machinery; Computer
& Electronic Product; Electrical Equipment Appliance & Component; and Transportation Equipment.
Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08): An extension of unemployment benefi ts authorized under
federal law authorizing up to 53 weeks of benefi ts.
Glossary of Terms
December 2012 NC Today 19
Employment: Used in Current Employment Statistics (CES), industry or establishment data referring to persons on
establishment payrolls who received pay for any part of the pay period that includes the 12th day of the month. The data
exclude proprietors, the unincorporated self-employed, unpaid volunteer or family workers, farm workers, and domestic
workers. Salaried offi cers of corporations are included. Government employment covers only civilian employees; military
personnel are excluded. Employees of the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the National
Imagery and Mapping Agency, and the Defense Intelligence Agency also are excluded. Persons on establishment payrolls
who are on paid sick leave (for cases in which pay is received directly from the fi rm), on paid holiday, or on paid vacation,
or who work during a part of the pay period even though they are unemployed, or on strike during the rest of the period,
are counted as employed. Not counted as employed are persons who are on layoff, on leave without pay, or on strike
for the entire period, or who were hired but have not yet reported during the period. Employment is calculated by work
location, not residency. Individuals may be counted more than once if they hold multiple jobs.
Used in Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS), individuals 16 years of age and older who worked during the
week that includes the 12th of the month for, (a) pay, (b) unpaid for 15 hours or more in a family-owned business, or (c) in
their own business, profession or farm. Persons temporarily absent from their jobs due to illness, bad weather, vacation,
labor dispute, or personal reasons are included. Individuals whose only activity consists of work around the house and/or
volunteer work for religious, charitable, and similar organizations are excluded. Employment is calculated by residency,
not work location. Each employed person is counted once even if working multiple jobs.
Employment-to-Population Ratio (E-P): The proportion of the civilian noninstitutional population that is employed.
Entrants (Current Population Survey): Unemployed persons who are entering the labor force as a new entrant or
re-entrant.
Extended Benefi ts (EB): The supplemental program that pays extended compensation during periods of specifi ed high
unemployment in a state to individuals for weeks of unemployment after exhaustion of regular Unemployment Insurance
benefi ts. One-half of EB is funded by the state trust fund. The beginning date, duration and ending date of this program
are “triggered” by a specifi ed unemployment rate during a specifi ed period of time.
Federal Additional Compensation (FAC): A supplemental program that pays an additional $25 for any week for which
an individual is eligible to receive at least $1.00 under any unemployment compensation program currently in effect.
Full-time Workers: Persons who work 35 hours or more per week.
Goods Producing: Industries including Mining, Construction and Manufacturing.
Hours of Work: The number of hours worked during the survey week. Individuals who work at least 35 hours are
designated full-time workers; persons who work less than that are considered part time.
Industry: A group of establishments that produce similar products or provide similar services. For example, all
establishments that manufacture automobiles are in the same industry. A given industry, or even a particular establishment
in that industry, might have employees in dozens of occupations. The North American Industry Classifi cation System
(NAICS) groups similar establishments into industries.
Initial Claim: Includes new and additional initial claims. An additional initial claim is a subsequent initial claim fi led to
reopen a claim series during an existing benefi t year. This occurs if a person again becomes unemployed when a break of
one week or more has occurred in the claim series due to intervening employment.
Interest Earned: The amount of interest earned on the Unemployment Trust Fund account (unpublished US Treasury
reports).
Job Leavers: An unemployment category describing individuals who quit or otherwise terminate their employment
voluntarily and immediately begin looking for work.
Job Losers: An unemployment category describing persons (a) who are on temporary layoff, who have been given a
date to return to work or who expect to return within six months or (b) whose employment ended voluntarily and began
looking for work.
Labor Force Participation Rate (LFP): The proportion of the civilian noninstitutional population that is in the civilian
labor force (e.g. employed or unemployed and actively seeking work).
2 0 December 2012 NC Today
Labor Market Information: A term used to describe the delivery of labor force, employment, unemployment, wage,
supply and demand, occupational, industrial, economic, and demographic data for the analysis of manpower problems.
Labor Supply: The number of workers who are unemployed and seeking work, or who would seek employment if they
believed jobs were available.
Layoff: Suspension from pay by the company for reasons such as lack of orders, plant breakdown, and shortage of
materials or termination of seasonal or temporary employment.
Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS): A federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)/state North Carolina
Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division cooperative statistical program which produces
monthly and annual labor force, employment, unemployment, and unemployment rate estimates by place of residence for
many geographic regions including states, counties, metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, and selected cities.
Manufacturing Hours and Earnings: Based on gross payrolls and corresponding paid hours:
Total Private Hours and Earnings – Includes data collected for all paid, private-sector workers (including
production employees). Executives, managers and supervisors are excluded.
All Employees Hours and Earnings – Reported as all persons who received pay (including holiday and sick) for any
part of the payroll period including the 12th day of the month.
Production Workers Hours and Earnings – Workers in the Goods Producing industries up through the level of
working supervisors who engage directly in the manufacturing of the establishment’s product.
Total Gross Pay – Includes regular wages and salaries, paid leave, incentive pay, bonuses paid each pay period and
severance paid over multiple pay periods. Commissions are reported if they are paid at least monthly. Irregular lump
sum payments are excluded.
Marginally Attached Workers: Persons not in the labor force who want to work and are available for work, and who
have looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months (or since the end of their last job if they held one within the past
12 months), but were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the four weeks preceding the
survey. Discouraged workers are a subset of the marginally attached.
Maximum Weekly Benefi t Amount: The highest weekly benefi t amount provided for a week of total unemployment.
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): A federal Offi ce of Management and Budget (OMB) defi ned area having at least
one urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more. MSAs may include adjacent counties that have a high degree of
social and economic integration with the urban core as measured by commuting patterns. North Carolina has 14 MSAs
consisting of 39 counties.
Minimum Weekly Benefi t Amount: The lowest weekly benefi t amount for a week of total unemployment.
New Claim: The fi rst initial claim fi led in person, by mail, telephone, or other means within a benefi t year to request
a determination of entitlement to and eligibility for compensation. This result in an agency generated document of an
appealable monetary determination provided to the potential claimant.
Outstanding Loan Balance: Balance, as of the end of the quarter, of advances acquired by the state under Title XII of the
Social Security Act (unpublished US Treasury reports).
New Entrants: An unemployment category comprised of individuals who have never worked.
Nondurable Goods: Known as “soft goods,” nondurable goods refer to manufactured or processed items generally
considered to last for a short time — three years or less. The nondurable manufacturing industries include Food; Beverage
& Tobacco Product; Textile Mills; Textile Product Mills; Apparel; Printing & Related Support Activities; Chemical; and
Plastics & Rubber Products.
North American Industry Classifi cation (NAICS): An industrial classifi cation system using a production-based
framework, with special attention to new and emerging industries (service industries in general) and industries involved
in advanced technology. It is an outgrowth of the North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA) and allows the collection
and tabulation of industry-level data to measure the economic impact of employers shifting activities between Canada,
Mexico and the United States. Classifi cation is by major economic group or sector (two-digit), economic subsector (three-digit),
industry group (four-digit), industry level (fi ve-digit), and national industry level (six-digit, optional) in order of
increasing detail. Conversion from Standard Industrial Classifi cation system (SIC) to NAICS was a three-year cycle that
began with data collected in 1999. CES industries are often combinations of several NAICS codes.
December 2012 NC Today 21
Not in the Labor Force-Other Reasons: Individuals who are not counted as unemployed because they are not actively
seeking work for such reasons as school, family responsibilities, ill health or transportation problems.
Not Seasonally Adjusted: An economic time series that is not statistically adjusted to eliminate seasonal fl uctuations such
as weather, holidays and the opening and closing of schools. This data is not comparable month to month. All levels of
civilian labor force and CES estimates have a not seasonally adjusted series.
Part-time Workers: Persons who work less than 35 hours per week.
Part-time Workers (Economic Reasons) – Persons who work less than 35 hours weekly, but prefer to work full time.
Part-time Workers (Noneconomic Reasons) – Persons who prefer to work less than 35 hours a week (full time).
Private Service Providing: Industries that include Trade, Transportation & Utilities; Information; Financial Activities;
Professional & Business; Education & Health; Leisure & Hospitality; and Other Services. Government is not included.
Race (White, Black or African American, and Asian): Terms used to describe the identity of respondents to the Current
Population Survey (CPS). Individuals in these categories are those who selected that race group only. Others who selected
the remaining groups (American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacifi c Islanders) or selected more
than one race category are included in the total labor force estimates, but are not shown separately because the number of
respondents is too small to develop estimates.
Re-entrants: An unemployment category comprised of individuals who previously worked, but who have been out of the
labor force prior to beginning their most recent job search.
Seasonally Adjusted: A statistical adjustment eliminating the infl uence of weather, holidays, the opening and closing of
schools and other recurring seasonal events from an economic time series. By smoothing these seasonal fl uctuations, the
data is easier to compare month to month. Only the United States and North Carolina state civilian labor force and CES
employment estimates are seasonally adjusted. Estimates for both series below the state level are unadjusted.
Service Providing: Industries including Trade, Transportation & Utilities; Information; Financial Activities; Professional
& Business; Education & Health; Leisure & Hospitality; Other Services and Government.
Smoothed Seasonal Adjusted: Seasonally adjusted estimates that have incorporated a long-run trend smoothing
procedure. This results in estimates that are less volatile and this smoothed seasonal adjustment procedure is now part of
the LAUS estimation methodology.
Survey Week: The week each month that includes the 12th during which BLS conducts most of its surveys. Exception
may be made in November and December when the survey week may be moved forward one week to avoid holiday
collection and data problems.
Unemployed: Persons having no employment during the week that includes the 12th of the month, but were available for
work, had made specifi c efforts to fi nd employment during the four weeks prior, were waiting to be recalled to a job from
which they had been laid off, or were waiting to report to a new job within 30 days.
Unemployment Insurance: Unemployment insurance is a program for the accumulation of funds paid by employers,
to be used for payment of unemployment insurance to workers during periods of job loss which is beyond their control.
Unemployment insurance replaces a part of the worker’s wage loss if he/she becomes eligible for payments.
Unemployment Rate: The number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labor force
[i.e., (unemployed/labor force) x 100].
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE): Federally fi nanced program to provide unemployment
insurance benefi ts to federal civilian employees.
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members (UCX): Federally fi nanced program to provide unemployment
insurance benefi ts to ex-service employees.
Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF): A fund established in the Treasury of the United States which contains all monies
deposited by state agencies to the credit of their unemployment fund accounts and federal unemployment taxes collected
by the Internal Revenue Service.
2 2 December 2012 NC Today
Weekly Benefi t Amount (WBA): The amount of money a claimant can receive each week. It is calculated by dividing the
sum of the wages earned during the highest quarter of the base period by 26. WBA cannot exceed a statutory maximum.
Weeks Claimed: Weeks covered for which waiting period credit or payment of compensation is requested.
Weeks Compensated: The number of weeks claimed for which Unemployment Insurance benefi ts are paid.
December 2012 NC Today 23
Prepared by: