Recent statistics show that the unemployment rate in Michigan is declining. Analysts say a weakened workforce may be the reason why.
Over the past year jobless numbers in Michigan have declined by 100,000 people. Officials say this is mainly due to the drop in lay-off activity and the addition of jobs in fields such as health care.
Bruce Weaver is an analyst with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth(DLEG). He said the unemployment decrease is also due to less people in the state working.
"There's fewer persons in the job market seeking jobs. When the economy is in difficult shape fewer people seek jobs because they feel they are very different to find" said Weaver.
From November of 2009 to November of 2010 the workforce in Michigan declined by 46,000 people.
Weaver said a decline in the workforce usually happens during rough economic periods for a number of reasons.
"When the workforce declines in a period like this when the economy is down it tends to be due to individuals who are going back to school to improve their skills rather than seeking a job. It can also reflect individuals who are leaving the state" said Weaver.
Weaver said since November of 2009 the unemployment rate has dropped from 14.4 to 12.4 percent. He said the number is still high, but it's a step in the right direction.
Analysts with DLEG say whether jobless numbers will drop anymore is hard to determine.