Job vacancies up in Minn., state reports

Job vacancies were up nearly 48 percent in Minnesota in the final three months of last year compared to the same period in 2010.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released figures Tuesday that show the state's job market is improving.

DEED labor market analyst Oriane Casale said the numbers show a positive trend for those looking for work.

"The ratio of job vacancies to job seekers is far better than it was last year," Casale said. "Last year at this time, it was 5.8 job seekers for every vacancy and now it's 3.2 job seekers for every vacancy."

Casale said it's important to keep in mind that this survey only looks at the demand for workers, not supply.

She said while there are more manufacturing jobs available, employers are saying that many of those applying aren't qualified to do the work.

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