Wilson County's unemployment rate went up to 8 percent in May from 7.2 percent in April, thanks to renewing of claims and layoffs.
"We're still doing the transition claims with the tobacco companies," said Terri Williams, manager of the Wilson office of the state Employment Security Commission/JobLink Center.
Seasonal tobacco processors' benefit year ended so they had to reopen claims again, she said.
Williams foresees the rate for Wilson County starting to go back down in the fall, when tobacco companies start rehiring for processing in the factories.
The rate was also impacted by some lay-offs at Parker Hannifin Corp.
"And, believe it or not, we're getting quite a few construction layoffs," Williams said.
In surrounding counties, rates went up as follows:
* Edgecombe County's unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent in May from 9 percent in April;
* Greene County's rate jumped to 7.1 percent in May from 6.2 percent in April;
* Johnston County's unemployment rate increased to 5.3 percent in May from 4.7 percent in April;
* Nash County's rate went up to 7.6 percent in May from 6.8 percent in April;
* Pitt County's rate rose to 6.4 percent in May from 5.6 percent in April;
* Wayne County's unemployment rate increased to 5.6 percent in May from 5 percent in April.
Unemployment rates rose in 92 counties, according to a monthly report by the state ESC. Six counties had a decrease, and rates didn't change in two counties.
Currituck County had the state's lowest rate at 3.3 percent in May. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.3 percent.
The state unemployment rate increased to 5.8 percent in May from 5.4 percent in April. The U.S. rate went up to 5.5 percent from 5 percent.
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