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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- South Carolina's unemployment rate ticked up again hitting 11.1 percent in August according to the Department of Employment and Workforce, the fourth month in a row the rate has increased. That is up from 10.9 percent in July and 10.5 percent in June.

Over the past several months DEW says employment levels have continued to decrease while unemployment levels have increased, thus driving the unemployment rate higher.

"We're working everyday to bring this number down," Governor Nikki Haley said. "We're filling the jobs funnel with announcement after announcement, we’re committed to improving our business climate, and we’re focused on training our unemployed to get them in good, skilled, stable jobs. We won't stop until South Carolina is working again."

"Although the state's unemployment rate rose in August, South Carolinians should not be discouraged as we have seen the initial claims for unemployment and the duration of benefits paid decrease," said SC Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Abraham Turner. "We are aware through jobs announcements that businesses are coming to the state; therefore, I have made job training my top priority to ensure South Carolina has a skilled and well-trained workforce to offer those businesses."

The state’s labor force increased for the fourth consecutive month, while the number of people employed dropped slightly from July.

The biggest job losses were seen in hospitality, where there were 3,500 fewer jobs in August as the summer tourism season wound down. Transportation jobs decreased by about 1,500.

South Carolina did see an increase in government jobs as school resumed. There were 800 more manufacturing jobs, marking the seventh straight monthly gain.

The state's unemployment rate peaked at 12.5 percent in January 2010 and had been steadily declining before the recent increases started in May.

What do you think about climbing unemployment rate in the nation and the state? Vote in the poll below and leave your thoughts in the comment section.