Idaho unemployment rate up: eastern Idaho stays constant

The unemployment rate in Idaho increased this month, but in eastern Idaho, the rate remains consistent.

Statewide, the Idaho Department of Labor believes there’s one aspect that is adding to the increased percentage.

“What we think is going on is we think we have a lot of discouraged job seekers. These are folks that would like to work but during the recession and the months that followed and the years that followed for that matter after that. They stopped looking for work because they just felt like they couldn’t find anything” said Dan Cravens, regional economist for the Idaho Department of Labor

Here in eastern Idaho, the rate didn’t go up, the main reason being the abundance of agricultural resources in this region of the state.

“Regardless of the economy, people still have to eat, so that’s a stable factor” said Cravens

The Idaho Department of Labor offers several resources to those looking for work including: job search access and counseling to determine the best educational or career path.

Locally the department has offices in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Salmon, Blackfoot, Soda Springs, and Pocatello.

For more information, you can visit their website here