Oconee jobless rate climbs to 9%

South Carolina’s jobless rate increased slightly to 8.4% in December from 8.3% in November, but a corresponding increase was higher in Oconee County. Oconee’s unemployment rolls stood at 9% last month, a .04% increase from November. An economist advised an Oconee County meeting last week to remember that when unemployment hits 10%, the economy can take solace in knowing that, in spite of the double-digits, it means that 90 out of every 100 members of the workforce are employed.