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Unemployment spikes in November
jobless on your own

For the second consecutive month, unemployment rates rose in Stanislaus County, according to preliminary data provided by the State of California Employment Development Department.

The unemployment rate of Stanislaus County rose from 6 percent in October to 6.4 percent in November, translating to approximately 15,700 folks currently without work.

In terms of specific cities, Ceres had 7.3 percent out of work, or about 1,600 residents. A total of 21,800 of Ceres residents are estimated to be in the labor force.

Nearby Hughson posted a 9 percent rate, equaling about 300 people without jobs. 

Turlock had a 5.1 percent unemployment rate during the month, translating to about 1,800 folks without work.

Keyes and Denair each had approximately 100 people not working in November.

The farming industry impacted the county the most. Seven hundred farming workers were let go in Stanislaus County. The colder weather and end of harvests served as a significant factor in the drop-off of farming industry jobs.

Manufacturing jobs also took a hit in both counties in November. Four hundred manufacturing jobs were lost in the county last month. 

The massive job loss between the two sectors was slightly offset by large hiring pushes by the retail industry, mainly due to the holiday shopping season, and for local governments. There were 200 retail jobs added in Stanislaus County.

The most in-demand jobs in Stanislaus County continue to be healthcare and social assistance positions. There are currently 1,265 industry openings in Stanislaus County, 422 of those are for registered nurses.

The second-largest hiring industry in Stanislaus County is the retail sector. There are currently 930 retail jobs needing to be filled.