Missouri’s unemployment rate shrunk in March, marking the sixth-straight month of decreases.
Last month’s jobless rate was 3.9 percent, a dip from 4.1 percent in February, according to a news release. The seasonally adjusted jobless rate began falling in October.
Despite the unemployment rate improvement, the Show-Me State’s nonfarm payroll ranks declined by 13,400 positions to 2.87 million in March from 2.88 million in February.
Industries with losses included:
• mining, logging and construction, down 3,600 jobs
• trade, transportation and utilities, down 3,600;
• education and health services, down 3,200;
• leisure and hospitality, down 3,100; and
• professional and business services, down 1,300.
Offsetting industries included manufacturing, which was up by 1,900 jobs, and financial activities, which increased by 900, according to the release.
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.