New unemployment data released

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that unemployment rates were lower in January than a year earlier in 282 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 73 areas, and unchanged in 17 areas.

"El Centro,Calif., recorded the highest unemployment rate, 25.1 percent, followed by Yuma, Ariz., 23.2 percent. Among the 16 areas with January 2011 jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, 12 were located in California. Lincoln, Neb., registered the lowest unemployment rate, 4.1 percent."

Data for January also indicated that "employers took 1,534 mass layoff actions involving 149,799 workers. The number of mass layoff events increased by 51 from the prior month, and associated initial claims increased by 11,807. Layoff activity in the manufacturing sector also increased over the month."

For more employment news, go to: http://www.bls.gov/mls/#news.