Preliminary data released by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Thursday showed a decline in the state's unemployment rate from September to October, and a decrease in the total number of jobs available.
Taking into account jobs in industries that employ seasonally, 9,300 private sector jobs were lost between September and October. Compared to October 2010, however, the number of private sector jobs has increased by 14,500.
Since October 2010, the number of public jobs has declined by 8,500.
"The decline in total jobs over the month reaffirms our exposure to challenges in the ... economy," DWD Secretary Reggie Newson said in a statement. "More than ever, we must continue to advance the Governor's job-creation agenda and ensure jobseekers have the skills that are in demand by employers who are looking to locate or expand in Wisconsin."
According to Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison, the realities of the governor's special legislative session paint a different picture of his priorities.
"Unfortunately, the results are in. For four straight months Wisconsin has lost jobs, while Governor Walker and legislative Republicans continue to focus their attention on more special interest giveaways," Roys said in a release. "9,300 more families will suffer this holiday season, with little to hope for from our state's Republican leaders."
Wisconsin's unemployment rate for October was 7.7 percent, a drop from 7.8 percent in September, according to the seasonally adjusted DWD figures. October's rate is 1.3 percent lower than the national unemployment figure for the month, which is 9 percent.
The unemployment rates encompass Wisconsinites available for work and actively pursuing work, not those who have stopped looking for work.
