Flagler County unemployment rate jumps to 6%

Palm Coast Observer
Business

from: Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce

Only 16 new jobs were created in Flagler County in June 2021, as the unemployment rate jumped to 6%, nearly a full percentage point increase. According to recent data release from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Flagler County’s labor force continued its strong growth by adding 530 additional residents. In the past two months, Flagler County’s labor force has grown by 1,172 residents.

“This is a very surprising employment report. Only creating 16 new jobs in the past 30 days is very disappointing. Our unemployment rate hasn’t been six percent or higher since September 2020,” said Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber President & CEO Greg Blosé.

“60 days ago, the Chamber launched our ‘Return to Work’ initiative, and that’s what people are doing, returning to work. Nearly 1,200 have rejoined the labor force since we began our initiative. Unfortunately, hiring isn’t keeping up with the increase in our labor force,” Blosé, continued.

Flagler County employment grew from 45,792 in May 2021 to 45,808, an increase of 16 new jobs. Meanwhile, the labor force grew from 48,220 in May 2021 to 48,750, an increase of 530 Flagler County residents.

Looking back at data from a year ago, the unemployment report also shows that in the past 12 months, Flagler County has created 5,244 jobs.

The Chamber’s Return to Work Initiative urges unemployed residents to work with CareerSource Flagler/Volusia for information on open jobs. Visit https://www.careersourcefv.com/ to learn more or call 386-586-5169

For more information, contact Greg Blosé, President and CEO of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber, at 386-846-1864 or via email at [email protected].