Santa Barbara Job Growth Slows

Job growth in Santa Barbara County has slowed as the unemployment rate in June crept up to 6.3 percent according to the State Employment Development office. That’s up from 5.6 percent in May and eight percent in June of 2012. Statewide, the unemployment rate is 8.8 percent. The biggest loser was the government sector, which shed 700 jobs. Leisure and hospitality and construction both gained jobs, 400 and 200 respectively, reflecting seasonal tourism and an improving real estate market.