Unemployment rate falls in midstate

(Harrisburg) — The midstate’s unemployment rate fell in September.But decreases happened in some areas where the number of jobs did not change.

Chambersburg in Franklin County saw the most dramatic fall in unemployment — half a percent from 5.2 percent to one of the lowest rates in the area – 4.7 percent.

It added more than 1,000 jobs, mostly because of a new Proctor and Gamble distribution plant in Southampton Township.

Most areas in the midstate added jobs — from 100 in Juniata County to 1,000 in the Harrisburg-Carlisle metro region.

But the unemployment rate also fell despite unchanged numbers of workers in Lebanon and Reading.

The drop in the labor force, or those willing and able to work, can be attributed to discouraged job seekers, retirements, or personal choice.

Gettysburg leap frogged Lancaster to claim the lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the midstate at four point two percent.

The seasonally adjusted rate is considered the most reliable because it accounts for historic swings in employment.