NM unemployment lower, still up overall

(KRQE) - New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.2 percent in June 2010, down from 8.4 percent in May, but up from 7.1 percent in 2009. The national unemployment rate dropped to 9.5 percent.

Two of the state's 13 industries posted a year-over-year job growth, but 11 others reported employment declines. The educational and health services industry added the most jobs (3,500 since June 2009). The leisure and hospitality industry also added 3,200 jobs in a year.

Goods-producing industries like mining and construction lost 3,700 total. Retail trade reported losses totaling 5,000 jobs.

Government employment started to look a little less secure, as they reported an overall loss of 1,000 jobs. State government has 4,300 fewer jobs and local government was down 600. Only the federal government gained in employment, adding 900 jobs. That statistic is slightly slanted, since that includes temporary Census workers.

Here is a county-by-county breakdown of job losses:

• Albuquerque metro area: Unemployment rate was 8.6 percent in June, down .2 from May. Nonfarm payroll employment down 5,100; educational/health services up 1,400; state government up 200; local government lost 700; wholesale trade increased 600; construction lost 2,200.
• Las Cruces area: Unemployment rate was 7.9 percent in June, down .2 from May. Educational/health services up 300; professional/business services up 100.
• Santa Fe area: Unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in June, down .2 from May. Federal government gained 300; local government shed 200; educational/health services up 200; construction down 600.
• Farmington area: Unemployment rate was 9.7 percent, down  .4 from May. Goods-producing industries lost 700; private service-providing industries lost 1,200; federal government gained 200.