Highlights of the October 2009 Kansas Department of Labor Report:
(Taken from the Kansas Department of Labor Website)

According to October 2009 estimates, Kansas businesses lost 57,700 jobs over-the-year, a 4.1 percent decrease. However, Kansas business gained 11,700 jobs over-the month in October, a 0.9 percent increase. These gains can mostly be attributed to seasonal factors.

The October 2009 unemployment rate was 6.4 percent, down from 6.8 percent in September and up from 4.3 percent in October 2008.

Eight of the 11 major industries in Kansas reported modest over-the-month job gains in October. Most of these gains were in government and education and health services.

Most major industries reported statewide over-the-year losses. These losses were highest in the following areas:

Manufacturing lost 25,500 jobs over the year, a 13.6 percent decrease. The majority of losses in this industry were in durable goods manufacturing, specifically in aerospace production.

Professional and business services lost 13,700 jobs over the year, a 9.2 percent decrease. The majority of losses in this area were in administrative support services; and professional, scientific and technical services.

Trade, transportation and utilities lost 8,500 jobs over the year, a 3.2 percent decrease. The majority of losses in this industry have been in retail trade.

Two industries reported modest over-the-year job gains despite overall losses. These gains were highest in education and health services and the other services industries.

There were 22,815 initial claims for unemployment benefits in October 2009, up from 17,501 initial claims for September and up from 17,296 in October 2008.

There were 163,744 continued claims for unemployment benefits in October 2009, down from 180,202 continued claims in September and up from 79,798 in October 2008.

There were 6,955 initial claims and 99,170 continued claims for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits in October 2009, up from 5,186 initial claims and up from 95,519 continued claims for EUC benefits in September 2009. These claims are in addition to the monthly initial and continued claims numbers.

There were 3,493 initial claims and 12,570 continued claims for State Extended Benefits (EB) in October 2009, up from 1,038 initial claims and up from 9,845 continued claims for EB in September 2009. These claims are in addition to the monthly initial and continued claims numbers.
The November 2009 Labor Report will be released December 18, 2009.