NOTE:  Labor Force and Industry data contained in this release differ from previous information due to the U.S. Department of Labor’s annual revision process. For more information on these changes visit: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/article.asp?PAGEID=&SUBID=&ARTICLEID=637&SEGMENTID

The unemployment rate in the Oakland-Fremont-Hayward Metropolitan District (MD) was 4.5 percent in February 2007, down from 4.6 percent in January 2007, and below the year-ago estimate of 4.7 percent.  This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 5.2 percent for California and 4.9 percent for the nation during the same period. 

Within the East Bay, the unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in February 2007.

The unemployment rate in the San Francisco MD was 3.9 percent in February, down from 4.0 percent in January 2007.  In the San Jose Metropolitan Statistical Area, the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in February 2007, down from 4.7 percent in January.

All three Bay Area regions experienced losses in workers between January and February 2007, with the East Bay losing 4,900 workers, San Francis co 800, and San Jose 3,500.  However, in a year-over-year comparison all three regions saw substantial increases in labor force numbers. San Jose saw the largest increase, with 30,400 more workers than February 2006.  In the same comparison, the San Francisco labor force had 22,900 more workers and the East Bay 17,300 more workers (an increase of 1.4 percent).

Between January and February 2007, the East Bay and San Jose both saw losses in the number of employed residents.  In the East Bay there were 3,500 fewer employed residents than in January and in San Jose there were 2,600 fewer.  San Francisco saw an increase of 700 in employed residents during the same period.

In a year-over-year comparison, there were 19,500 more employed residents in the East Bay in February 2007 than in February 2006.  In San Francisco and San Jose the year-over-year comparisons also showed substantial increases of 25,800 and 18,100, respectively.

(Note:  Industry employment data dating back to January 2006 were revised downward, causing a drop from previously published data included in the following analyses.  Industry employment data dating January 2001-December 2005 that reflects these changes will be released in May 2007.)

All three Bay Area regions saw gains in payroll employment between January and February 2007, with the East Bay gaining 4,100 jobs to reach a total of 1,050,700

Between January and February 2007 in the East Bay…

·        Government bolstered payrolls seasonally by 3,100 jobs, largely in local public schools (up 1,900 jobs).

·        Educational and health services grew by 1,800 jobs, mainly in private schools (up 1,400 jobs).

·        Professional and business services rose by 1,100 jobs, primarily in professional, scientific and technical services (up 800 jobs).

·        In contrast, the winter holiday season layoffs continued in the trade, transportation and utilities industry.  Retail trade accounted for 1,800 of the total decrease of 2,000 jobs.