Shasta County unemployment showed a seasonal increase last month. At 5.9%, it was 8 tenths of a point over December but nearly unchanged from last December. There was a boost in the year-over labor force of 1,800 workers. Wholesale trade showed a year-over drop of 20% and farm showed a year-over drop of 7%, while the mining, logging and construction category lost 10%. There were gains in local government education and in tribal employment. Tehama County had a 7% jobless rate last month. It was 6.8% in Trinity County and 8.8% in Siskiyou County. The statewide rate was 5.5% and it was 4.4% nationwide.
-Steve Gibson