Business & Tech

Unemployment Rate Drops Sharply In The East Bay

The unemployment plummeted in the East Bay last month, led by a surge in construction and entertainment-related jobs.

The jobless rate in the East Bay decreased from 7.8 percent in March to 7.0 percent in April. A year ago, the rate was 8.8 percent, according to the state Economic Development Department.

The unemployment rate for Contra Costa County also fell from 7.8 percent in March to 7.0 in April. In Alameda County, the rate dropped from 7.7 percent to 7.0 percent.

Cities around the East Bay experienced similar dips in their unemployment rate.

In Walnut Creek, the jobless rate fell to 4.7 percent.

Nearby, the unemployment rate decreased to 3.7 percent in Danville, 2.6 in Alamo and 2.9 percent in San Ramon. Clayton had the lowest jobless rate in Contra Costa County at 1.7 percent.

Overall, the East Bay added 2,100 jobs in April for a total labor force of 989,600. That jobs figure is 15,400 higher than April 2012.

The construction industry in the East Bay gained 1,300 jobs in April while the leisure and hospitality industry added 800 jobs and the private education and health services sector increased by 700 jobs.

Professional and business services lost 900 jobs while financial services dropped by 300 jobs.


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