Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd’s Statement

August 2025 Employment Situation

Columbia, S.C. – "South Carolina is experiencing record highs in both the estimated number of individuals employed at 2,464,843 and the estimated size of its labor force at 2,575,593,” said the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd. "While the unemployment rate moved up slightly from 4.2% to 4.3%, the state has benefited from the highest payroll growth in the country for multiple months running.”

“South Carolina is having a great September as we celebrate Workforce Development Month. In addition to the dozens of job fairs and hiring events occurring statewide, our agency, along with Governor McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster, presented the 2025 Workforce Champion Award to Michelin North America, Inc., for its exceptional work with high school seniors and recent graduates. For example, these students can apply for internship programs within Michelin, receive scholarships, and gain hands-on experience, leading to full-time employment opportunities,” said Floyd. “This is an excellent example of connecting students and employers to enhance their advancement into the workforce.”

“Our agency joined the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Symposium the following day, where Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette presented the proclamation for Workforce Development Month,” continued Floyd. “The rest of that day focused on ways to bridge the skills gap, increase technology in the classroom and the workplace, align key data and partnerships, make engagement with young people matter for tomorrow’s jobs, and other essential workforce topics. It was a wonderful event packed with action items and takeaways for the attendees.”

“The remainder of this month will include our ongoing hosting of workforce events around the state to help prepare jobseekers and connect them with employers. Many of these events are in partnership with other agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations,” said Floyd. “While these activities are always part of our agency’s year-round mission, it is exciting to ramp up our events and collaboration during September to recognize, celebrate, engage, and connect the workforce efforts in South Carolina,” concluded Floyd.