Tennessee April unemployment rate steady at 5.8 percent

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee’s unemployment rate for April was the same as the adjusted rate for March at 5.8 percent, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley announced Thursday.

The April rate was slightly higher than the 5.2 percent national unemployment rate, which was unchanged from March. The rate for April 2004 was 4.9 percent.

“From April 2004 to April 2005, the business survey shows small growth at a gain of more than 25,000 jobs,” Neeley said. “We are optimistic Gov. (Phil) Bredesen’s recently passed jobs package will encourage employment growth in the state.”

March-to-April figures show increases in leisure and hospitality jobs, up by 8,900, including a 4,000-job increase in food services and drinking places.

Government jobs increased 2,800. Month-to-month seasonal decreases took place in clothing and clothing accessory store jobs, down 500.

Nursing and residential care facilities employment dropped by 400, and general merchandise store jobs declined by 300.