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OPA News Release: [06/06/2003]
Contact Name: Lisa
Kruska
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Statement of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao on May
Unemployment Numbers
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the
following statement on the May unemployment numbers released today:
“The unemployment rate for May rose from 6.0 percent to 6.1 percent
and the economy lost 17,000 non-farm payroll jobs.
“The increase in the unemployment rate is disappointing, but it is
in line with expectations and the number of jobs lost this month is
significantly lower than in previous months. What’s important is to look
at what is going on behind these numbers: 58,000 new jobs in temporary help
services, a leading indicator of economic growth, and the largest increase in
these numbers since October 1999. Construction employment is also up and
manufacturing work hours increased as well.
“The Jobs and Growth Act of 2003, which was recently passed under
the strong leadership of the President, will spur faster economic growth and
job creation. The Jobs and Growth Act will put more money back in the pockets
of America’s working families, seniors and small business owners as
soon as next month, stimulating the economy and helping to create new
jobs.”
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