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“Iowa’s unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point in May despite some resiliency within the Iowa economy,” said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “The state’s job market has become weaker in recent months due to the effects of a nationwide housing slowdown and soaring energy prices.”

Total employment for May decreased to 1,614,300. This is 2,400 lower than April and 16,600 higher than the May 2007 level.

The statewide estimate of unemployed persons rose to 65,500 in May from 58,800 in April. The number of unemployed persons stood at 62,400 for the same month one year ago.

After three consecutive months of contractions, Iowa’s nonfarm employment expanded in May, up 4,100 jobs compared to April, bringing the new total to 1,526,300. Since May 2007, Iowa has added 10,200 jobs. Employers bolstered seasonal employment more than expected this month. Of the eleven supersectors, eight gained employment in May. Professional and business services declined by 100, and mining and information remained unchanged.

Construction and trade and transportation each added 1,100 jobs in May, as increases were more than anticipated. Construction remains 300 under the year ago level, while trade and transportation is up a slight 300 jobs. Other gains were in leisure and hospitality, up 800 jobs, and education and health services, up 500 jobs.

MEDIA ALERT: An audio cut of comments about Iowa’s labor market situation is available by calling (515) 281-6057, and will be offered through Tuesday, July 1, 2008. The news release containing June data is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2008.

Employment and Unemployment In Iowa, Seasonally Adjusted Data                     Change From   May 2008 April 2008 May 2007 April 2008 May 2007 Civilian Labor Force 1,679,800 1, 675,400 1,660,000 4,400 19,800 Unemployment 65,500 58,800 62,400 6,700 3,100 Unemployment Rate 3.9% 3.5% 3.8% 0.4 0.1 Employment 1,614,300 1,616,700 1,597,700 -2,400 16,600             U.S. Employment Rate 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 0.5 1.0             Nonfarm Employment In Iowa, Seasonally Adjusted Data             Total Nonfarm Employment 1,526,300 1,522,200 1,516,100 4100 10,200 Mining 2,100 2,100 2,200 0 -100 Construction 72,300 71,200 72,600 1,100 -300 Manufacturing 229,900 229,800 228,300 100 1,600 Trade, Transportation and Utilities 309,800 308,700 309,500 100 300 Information 33,400 33,400 34,100 0 -700 Financial Activities 103,500 103,400 102,500 100 1,000 Professional and Business Services 121,700 121,800 120,700 -100 1,000 Education and Health Services 204,700 204,200 201,700 500 3,000 Leisure and Hospitality 137,700 136,900 137,200 800 500 Other Services 58,100 57,900 57,800 200 300 Government 253,100 252,800 249,500 300 3,600

Visit www.iowaworkforce.org/lmi/laborforce/locallaborforce.html for county unemployment rates,
www.iowaworkforce.org/lmi/laborforce/index.html for current and historical labor force data and
www.iowaworkforce.org/lmi/empstat/msanonag.htm for detailed information on nonfarm employment.

Visit www.iowaworkforce.org/trends/wages.html for information on hours and earnings and
www.iowaworkforce.org/trends/uiclaimscomo.html to obtain a breakout of jobless benefits by county.

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