(JACKSON) – Unemployment rates were down across Southwest Michigan during November.

The Bureau Of Labor Market Information And Strategic Initiatives released the November 2019 jobless rates. Data shows St. Joseph County and Hillsdale County had the biggest drops in their unemployment rates, both going down by 1.3%. St. Joseph County dropped from 4.7% unemployment in October to 3.4% in November. Hillsdale County went from 4.6% in October to 3.3% in November.

Branch County saw a drop in their unemployment rate from 3.9% to 3.1%, while Cass County dropped from 3.7% in October to 3.3% in November.

Statewide, the unemployment rate went from an October figure of 3.5% to 3.2% in November. One year ago the State's unemployment rate was 3.4%.

Economic Specialist Dr. Leonidas Murembya says typical seasonal employment changes were recorded in Southwest Michigan. Businesses in Leisure and Hospitality Services along with Construction and Mining continued to cut jobs. Hiring picked up in Retail Trade, mostly due to the Holiday shopping season.