According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (citation):

Users should be aware that 1st and 2nd quarter 2018 Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) and Business Employment Dynamics (BED) data for South Carolina are showing unusual movements which may be a result of a change in reporting. These unusual movements coincide with a modernization of the South Carolina unemployment insurance system. Both QCEW and BED data are subject to changes in the administrative data produced by state unemployment insurance systems. BLS is working with its South Carolina partners to identify any impact this system change may have.

Data from both QCEW and BED are considered to be preliminary until the release of their final revision (see table below). QCEW data are not intended to be used as time series. Users should exercise caution when making quarter-to-quarter comparisons.

BLS is continuing to work with the state to review the effects of this system change. If further information becomes available, BLS will update this page.