ACCORDING TO FIGURES released by the State of Michigan, seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates in February increased in 15 of the state’s 17 major labor market regions, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Total employment advanced moderately over the month in most areas, while labor force levels were up in all regions.

“Unemployment rates in Michigan’s local areas were elevated in February, which is normal for the winter months,” said Jason Palmer, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives. “Throughout the state, payroll job totals in the winter are typically at their lowest levels of the year in a number of industry sectors including construction, trade, transportation and utilities, and leisure and hospitality services.”

In Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw County area, unemployment nosed up to 5.3 percent from 5 percent and the number of unemployed workers jumped 10 percent between January and February 2014, from 9,000 to 9,900 individuals. However, data show that overall the number of unemployed individuals has decreased by 4.8 percent, from  10,400 individuals in February 2013 to 9,900 in February 2014.