Unemployment rates slightly rise

The numbers show our unemployment rates from the month of November have risen by point one per cent.

It's not the best news; but officials from the workforce center told us that it was actually expected.

Officials said labor jobs typically decrease during the colder months, which limits the amount of available employment opportunities.

They also said other factors directly relate to the increased unemployment.

For example there are less jobs being created right now than just a year ago.    

However; they expect unemployment rates will improve after the winter season.

Suzie Miller, Mesa County Business Services Manager said, "It's never a good feeling to see an unemployment rate increase, even if it's only a minimal amount. I'm hopeful that as we get through these winter months that we'll see some more positive signs."

If you take a look at the big picture there are some encouraging signs.

The state unemployment rate dropped by two tenths of a percent, back to 7.7 percent. Well below the unemployment rate here locally.

There are some bright spots in the local job market. 

Officials at the Work Force center encourage folks who are in need of a job to attend their job fair in February saying they already have many employers committed to the event.