Joblessness on the rise in Oconee

The South Carolina unemployment rate held steady last month, but it inched higher in OconeeCounty.  The state rate, at 5.3%, is described as “firm”—unchanged since April.  But, in Oconee, new claims in June rose to 6.2%—from May’s 5.6%.  The June unemployment figures are reported in the same week that Oconee County Council took votes to pursue economic development projects—after two straight nights of closed-door meetings.  Cheryl Stanton, executive director of the state Department of Employment and Workforce, made this statement:  “35,000 more South Carolinians are working today than a year ago and this is more evidence that South Carolina’s economy continues to strengthen.”