Joblessness Spikes to 11.1% in D.C., Eases in Va., Md.

[Prosperity]

Joblessness Spikes to 11.1% in D.C., Eases in Va., Md.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/18/AR2009091802027.html?hpid=moreheadlines

The unemployment rate for the District rose dramatically to 11.1 percent in August, the highest level since July 1983, but fell for the second consecutive month in Virginia and stabilized in Maryland, according to government data released Friday.

Some employment experts attributed the disparity to the higher proportion in the District of undereducated employees in low-wage jobs that are more vulnerable to cuts. Meanwhile, in Virginia and Maryland, the labor market is showing signs of a turnaround, evidenced by a slowing of layoffs and a surge of jobs created by stimulus dollars.

Maryland's rate has remained at 7.2 percent since June. The Labor Department on Friday adjusted the state's July rate from 7.3 percent to 7.2 percent.

In Virginia, the rate dropped to 6.5 percent in August from 6.9 percent in July.