The West Michigan Employment Index has remained soft this year, and September was even more so.

Grand Valley State University researcher Brian Long says this survey indicates the first double digit dip since the pandemic with many areas posting significant unemployment increases.

“Now that said, we still have plenty of unfilled positions in the industrial economy,” Long said. “Unfortunately, most of them require a certifiable skill like welding, machining, electronics, metallurgy, CNC operating, and so forth.”

Both the employment and production index were down and most of the negative statistics can be attributed to auto parts producers slowing production.