latest job numbers weak

California’s unemployment rate dipped in July, but the Mother Lode saw its jobless rate increase.  According to the latest numbers from the Employment Development Department, California’s unemployment rate fell from 5-point-2 percent in June to 5-point-1 percent in July.  That’s the state’s lowest unemployment rate since February of 2024, and marks the second consecutive month of decline.  However, California also lost 20-thousand-500 nonfarm payroll jobs during the month.  Here in the Mother Lode, unemployment moved in the opposite direction.  Amador County’s unemployment rate increased from 5-point-4 percent in June to 5-point-7 percent in July.  Calaveras County also saw an increase, from 5-point-9 percent to 6-point-1 percent.  Statewide, four of California’s 11 major industry sectors added jobs in July.  Construction led the gains, adding 2,900 jobs, followed by Trade, Transportation and Utilities, which added 2,800. The biggest losses came in Professional and Business Services, which shed 15,300 jobs. Nationwide, the unemployment rate edged down from 4-point-2 percent in June to 4-point-1 percent in July.