For the second consecutive month, unemployment rates rose in Stanislaus and Merced counties, according to preliminary data provided by the State of California Employment Development Department.
The unemployment rate of Stanislaus County rose from 6 percent in October to 6.4 percent in November, translating to approximately 15,700 folks currently without work. Meanwhile, the rate rose from 7.8 percent to 8.5 percent, or about 9,600 people without work, during that same period in Merced County.
In terms of specific cities, Turlock had a 5.1 percent unemployment rate during the month, translating to about 1,800 folks without work. Nearby Hughson posted a 9 percent rate, equaling about 300 people without jobs. Denair, Hilmar and Keyes each had approximately 100 people not working in November.
The farming industry impacted both counties the most. Seven hundred farming workers were let go in Stanislaus County while a whopping 2,500 farming jobs were lost in Merced County. The colder weather and end of harvests served as a significant factor in the drop-off of farming industry jobs.
Manufacturing jobs also took a hit in both counties in November. Four hundred manufacturing jobs were lost in each county last month.
The massive job loss between the two sectors was slightly offset by large hiring pushes by the retail industry, mainly due to the holiday shopping season, and for local governments. There were 200 retail jobs added in Stanislaus County and 300 in Merced County. Merced County also saw 300 local government jobs added.
The most in-demand jobs in each county continue to be health care and social assistance positions. There are currently 1,265 industry openings in Stanislaus County, 422 of those are for registered nurses. In Merced County, there are 299 industry jobs open with 72 of those being for nurses.
The second-largest hiring industry in Stanislaus County is the retail sector. There are currently 930 retail jobs needing to be filled. Merced County’s second-largest hiring industry is private education, as there are currently 116 openings for varying positions.
