Solano adds 600 payroll positions

Solano adds 600 payroll positions

By Matthew Bunk

FAIRFIELD - The jobs market in Solano County and across California seems to have improved in February. Solano County employers added 600 payroll positions last month, and the 125,300 total jobs in the county was up 2,600 from a year ago, according to a survey by the state Employment Development Department. California added 27,600 jobs during the month. The state figures didn't include farm jobs, which typically fluctuate throughout the year. Nationally, employers added 262,000 jobs.

The biggest job gains in Solano County were in government, which beefed up by an extra 500 positions. The construction sector added another 300. Losses were in trade, transportation and utilities, down 300 jobs, and leisure and hospitality, down 100. The county's jobless rate dipped slightly to 6 percent, which is a tad lower than the state average of 6.1 percent. Last year at this time, Solano County's unemployment was at 6.5 percent.

The national unemployment rate was even lower at 5.8 percent.According to data for Solano County, the cities of Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista and Vacaville reported the lowest unemployment rates, all coming in at less than 5 percent. Vallejo, Suisun City and Fairfield all had unemployment rates of more than 6 percent.

Reach Matthew Bunk at 425-4646 Ext. 267 or mbunk@dailyrepublic.net.