Aug. 31--The unemployment rate for Lenoir County during July was 12.3 percent, dropping slightly from the previous month.

According to the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina, the unemployment rate dropped in 59 counties statewide, increased in 29 counties and remained the same in 12 counties. Lenoir County's unemployment rate was 12.4 percent during June.

Lenoir County Employment Security Commission director Beverly Alston said Friday the local economy remains sluggish.

"The unemployment rate is still very high," Alston said. "It's going to take some time before the unemployment rate drops significantly."

Alston acknowledged the local unemployment rate could remain in double digits until late 2010. The current recession has taken its toll on the local job market as several companies have been forced to lay off employees, including Barnet, which may be forced to lay off up to 160 employees at its Kinston plant Oct. 1.

Better times are likely ahead for the local economy, Alston said. Sanderson Farms broke ground on its Kinston facility recently and is expected to continue building a feed mill in the coming weeks. Alston said about 30 laborers will be hired to help build the feed mill.

"We are hoping job opportunities will pick up after Labor Day," Alston said.

For the past year, job losses have mounted in Lenoir County. The county's unemployment rate reached double digits in January.

During July 2007, Lenoir County's unemployment rate was 5.4 percent. During July 2008, the county's unemployment rate was 7.9 percent.

Greene County's unemployment rate remained unchanged from June to July at 11.5 percent. The July unemployment rate in Jones County reached 10.7 percent, which was 10.4 percent in June.

"Employment growth was modest in many of our counties in July," ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr. said.

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559 -- 1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.

Local unemployment rates

Lenoir County

June -- 12.4 percent

July -- 12.3 percent

Greene County

June -- 11.5 percent

July -- 11.5 percent

Jones County

June -- 10.4 percent

July -- 10.7 percent

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