Losses in service jobs, jump in SLO County unemployment rates
CalCoastNews
July 17, 2026
After six months of steady improvement, San Luis Obispo County saw a slight uptick in unemployment last month, rising to 4.3% in June. That’s according to new data from the state Employment Development Department, first reported by CalCoastNews. While the jump might raise eyebrows, the number of people working or looking for work actually grew — from 132,300 in May to 132,400 in June — meaning more locals are entering the workforce, even as service-sector jobs face losses.
For many of us here on the Central Coast, this feels personal. Whether it’s the barista at your favorite coffee shop or the server at that downtown SLO spot, service jobs are the backbone of our local economy. The June numbers remind us that recovery isn’t always a straight line. Still, a growing workforce suggests optimism — folks are out there looking, and that’s a good sign for our community’s resilience.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from CalCoastNews.
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July 17, 2026
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