South Carolina’s Veterans Unemployment Rate Drops for Second Year; Ranks as Nation’s Seventh Best
February 19, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC — South Carolina’s unemployment rate for veterans 18 and older dropped to 3.5 percent in 2014, down from 4.1 percent in 2013, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported. The Palmetto State posted the nation’s seventh best rate and is well below the national rate of 5.3 percent.
“We are a proud military state. We support the families of those who are deployed, and we take care of our veterans and help them find work when they come home,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “Working together with businesses, the military community and workforce partners, we are expanding opportunities for those heroes who sacrifice so much for our families, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate another drop in our military veterans’ unemployment rate.”
In the past year, more than 9,000 S.C. veterans were placed in jobs, according to the SC Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW).
“There are now more South Carolinians working than ever, and we are proud to help those who have so graciously served our country find employment opportunities in the Palmetto State,” said Cheryl M. Stanton, executive director of the SC Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW). “Our team continues to work one-on-one with veterans every day and is cultivating relationships with businesses to market veterans as great hires.”
Today’s announcement comes nearly a year after the launch of Operation Palmetto Employment, a statewide initiative led by Gov. Haley, in partnership with the SC National Guard and DEW. The comprehensive employment program is designed to help service members, family members and veterans find meaningful civilian careers.
Learn more about employment resources for veterans at operationpalmettoemployment.sc.gov.
To find an SC Works center for employment opportunities near you, visit dew.sc.gov/directory.
