May unemployment rate rises to 6.2 percent

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee’s unemployment rate for May rose to 6.2 percent from the adjusted rate for April of 5.8 percent, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley said Thursday.

The May rate was higher than the 5.1 percent national unemployment rate, which edged down from a 5.2 percent April rate.

“The household survey for May shows an unusual increase in unemployed youth entering the workforce,” Neeley said. “Some school systems across the state ended earlier this year, sending more teens looking for summer work in May.”

April-to-May figures show increases in leisure and hospitality jobs, up by 4,500. Construction jobs rose 2,500 and manufacturing jobs increased 1,600.

Government jobs were down 3,700, and professional/scientific/technical jobs dropped 2,500. Educational service jobs dropped by 1,300.