Number of unemployed Nevadans declines

The number of unemployed Nevadans dropped for the first time in 2009 in April, even as the percentage of unemployed rose.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation said this morning that the ranks of jobless people in the state declined from 146,400 to 146,300 between March and April. State economists say it's too early to tell if the new statistics herald an economic turnaround.

Despite the reduction in unemployment, the proportion of jobless people increased statewide, from 10.3 percent in March to 10.6 percent in April. That average flirts with the December 1983 record of 10.7 percent. A year ago, unemployment statewide was 5.7 percent.

The unemployment rate in Las Vegas stayed at 10.4 percent from March to April. April’s rate was nearly double the 5.5 percent of April 2008.

Unemployment in Nevada’s other two metropolitan statistical areas fell month-over-month in April. Carson City’s joblessness dropped from 11.3 percent to 10.8 percent, while unemployment in Reno-Sparks declined from 11.2 percent to 11 percent.

The nation's unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in April, up from 8.6 percent in March. Even as joblessness in Nevada stabilized, employers posted declines in job creation, said Bill Anderson, chief economist for the employment department. Companies reported 5,200 fewer jobs statewide in April than they reported in March, compared with an increase of 5,100 positions in the same period a year ago. Industries that lost the most jobs include retail, which cut 1,600 jobs; professional and business services, which slashed 1,400 positions; and local governments, which pared 1,500 posts.

The state’s dominant sector, gaming and hotel-casinos, ended a string of monthly losses, staying flat from March to April.

Food service and drinking establishments added 1,100 jobs and education and health services added 100 jobs.

Contact reporter Jennifer Robison at jrobison@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4512.