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--> Unemployment takes a dip in Jackson County Ashland Daily Tidings Jackson County's unemployment rate is finally on a downturn, as is the rest of the nation, according to recent numbers from the state's Employment Department. The unemployment rate took a 1.2 percent dip between March and April, dropping from 8.5 percent to 7.3 percent. On a statewide basis, the drop was similar, from 8.7 percent to 7.5 percent. The Employment Deptartment said in a release that it attributes the increases to an upturn in spring hiring, and lower interest rates that helped strengthen the construction industry. Services employment continues to be the strongest sector of the local job market, increasing by over 1,000 jobs for the year, and gaining another 200 jobs in the past month. Growing business categories included personnel supply services, Internet service providers, credit agencies and medical supply services. Manufacturing, which has taken a drubbing over the past year, increased significantly, adding 30 jobs in lumber and wood products, and is up by 90 jobs over the year. Durable goods manufacturing continues to be tepid, down 350 jobs since last April. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing