Santa Barbara County unemployment numbers have increased, with a loss of 1,200 jobs from May to June.

Santa Barbara remains among the lowest counties in the state for unemployment, however.

For June 2009, the Labor Market Information Division reported an 8.3 percent unemployment rate in Santa Barbara County and on Friday announced an 8.8 percent rate. The national rate was 9.6 percent, and California’s was 12.2 percent.

“The unemployment numbers for the county are higher than they were at the same time last June at the height of the recession,” said Raymond McDonald, executive director of the Workforce Investment Board. “The recession may be ending, but the unemployment numbers aren’t coming down.

“We are looking at new and creative ways to help the business community and local job seekers come back to create a successful and sustainable work force.”

The Workforce Investment Board is dedicated to serve the workforce needs of businesses, adults, laid-off workers and youths throughout Santa Barbara County. It is a public/private partnership created by the federal Workforce Investment Act and is staffed by Santa Barbara County.

Free services are provided through the two Workforce Resource Centers. Programs include employment services for job seekers, the latest labor market information and regional workforce research for businesses as well as training that specialize in helping people gain the skills and confidence necessary to find and obtain a job.

— Victoria Sanchez is a public information specialist for the Workforce Investment Board.