Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd’s Statement

August 2023 Employment Situation

Columbia, S.C. – “Employment hits another record high at 2,382,362 individuals working – what a great way to celebrate Workforce Development Month in South Carolina,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd. “The unemployment rate has dropped from 3.1% in July to 3.0% in August, as more people enter the workforce and find a job, and this month is filled with events, information, and resources. These positive trends are encouraging for both jobseekers and employers.”

“The first week of the month, our agency continued our SC@Work Rural Road Trips. It is always exciting to see local jobseekers find work at these job fairs, but two of these days provided a unique opportunity for local high school students to talk with employers and get an understanding of businesses hiring in their areas. This intersection of work by our Employment Services team and our Regional Workforce Advisors is just one of many examples of how DEW’s collaborative efforts can grow the pipeline of workers,” continued Floyd.

“We are excited about the upcoming Symposium, more road trips, and the presentation of the Workforce Champion Award to be presented at the end of the month. This award will recognize extraordinary school-to-work activities. Of course, September will not be the end of our efforts. Workforce Development Month is simply a way to highlight all of the wonderful ways that South Carolina agencies, organizations, employers, and educational institutions optimize workforce development. To learn more about everything happening around the state, visit dew.sc.gov/wdm,” concluded Floyd.