Idaho unemployment hits 22-year high

Idaho’s unemployment rate jumped to 7.8 percent in May, a 22-year high. Nearly 5,600 workers lost their jobs last month, pushing the statewide total to 58,300, the Idaho Department of Labor said today. The jobless rate rose from 7 percent in April and is up from 4.5 percent a year ago. The seasonal increase in construction payrolls from April to May was the lowest since 1990, the state said. Manufacturing jobs were at their lowest level since 1992. Among larger cities, Boise had the highest unemployment rate – 9.6 percent – in May. The Coeur d’Alene metro area is at 8 percent; Lewiston is at 6.7 percent. Unemployment last month fell in some rural counties, reflecting seasonal hiring. Benewah County’s rate was 11.9 percent, down from 15.5 percent in April. Shoshone County hit 11.5 percent, down from 11.9 percent the previous month. The rate also fell in Bonner County, to 8.6 percent, from 9 percent in April. Unemployment was up in Kootenai County (8 percent in May, from 7.3 percent in April) and Boundary County (11.1 percent, from 10.5 percent).