Employment in the U.S. chemical industry was 0.1% higher (up by 900 jobs) in June compared to the previous month, driven by a gain in non-production worker employment, according to economic data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that was included the most recent American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com) Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report. While non-production jobs grew slightly, chemical industry production worker jobs went in the opposite direction, slipping by 500 in June.
The overall employment total is still 3.7% higher than the previous year.
The information is part of an employment report that disappointed many because of a slowed rate of job creation.
Citing other recent economic data, the ACC report says global manufacturing contracted for the second time in three years at a pace not seen since May 2009, and chemical equity performance improved in June and remained ahead compared to the end of 2011.