December 02, 2000|By William Patalon III | William Patalon III,SUN STAFF
A jump in new jobs failed to outpace even greater growth in the state labor force, which caused the Maryland unemployment rate to edge up to 3.5 percent in October from September's 3.4 percent, according to a state report released yesterday.
Nevertheless, Maryland's unemployment rate stayed below the national average of 3.6 percent in October, the report said.
"Unemployment increases are not uncommon this time of year, but the strength of Maryland's economy is demonstrated by the fact that job growth and hiring [are] continuing," said John P. O'Connor, secretary of the state Department of Labor.
Economist Jeff Petry, who follows Maryland for Economy.com in West Chester, Pa., said this state is doing "extremely well."
"It has above-average growth compared to the U.S., and is making the change from the old manufacturing economies" that typify Northeastern states, Petry said.
"It's really turned around. It has a big transportation and warehousing industry ... and is benefiting from the whole Washington metro area" with its heavy technology focus.
The unemployment picture across the state was mixed.
Thirteen jurisdictions reported un- employment rates below the state average, while 11 had higher unemployment rates. Howard County - a key technology center, particularly in the booming fiber-optics sector - had an October unemployment rate of 1.9 percent. Baltimore City notched the highest rate in the state at 7.4 percent.
The remaining counties that, along with Howard and the city, make up the Baltimore metropolitan area generally fared well: Anne Arundel (2.6 percent), Baltimore (4.2 percent), Carroll (2.2 percent), Harford (3.2 percent) and Queen Anne's (2.7 percent).
The civilian labor force rose to 2.854 million people in October from 2.85 million in September, an increase of about 4,200. Employment climbed from 2.752 million to 2.753 million, a gain of about 1,500 jobs.
Those gains in the labor force and employment helped set record highs for the month. However, since the gains in employment did not keep pace with gains in the labor force, unemployment increased.
Unemployment rose from about 97,600 people in September to roughly 100,300 in October, according to the report.
