INDIANAPOLIS (June 19, 2009) - The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released Indiana's May employment report.

Indiana's preliminary seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased in May to 10.6 percent. Indiana's 0.7 percent month-to-month unemployment gain equals increases in Illinois and Kentucky. Ohio reported a 0.6 percent increase from the previous month. Michigan increased 1.2 percent from April.

Indiana's unemployment rate is equal to Kentucky's rate of 10.6 percent. Ohio stands at 10.8 percent. Michigan continues to lead the nation in unemployment at 14.1 percent. Illinois has the lowest rate among Indiana's neighboring states at 10.1 percent. The national seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in May is 9.4 percent.

"As expected, extended furloughs and layoffs in the US auto industry greatly affected Indiana's employment picture in May," said Teresa Voors, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. "Indiana may see the ripple effect over the next few months as suppliers, dealerships and other service providers adjust to the new business models of the domestic auto companies."

Indiana's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate peaked at 12.8 percent in November 1982. Indiana's unemployment rate stood at 5.3 percent in May 2008.

EDITORS NOTE: The June 2009 employment report will be released on July 17.

Links to the data used to compile the monthly employment report are listed below:

May 2009 Indiana Employment Report