Missouri adds 7,200 jobs in March, unemployment rate up

Missouri companies added 7,200 jobs in March, according to the latest report from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, though the state's unemployment rate rose by one-tenth of a percent.

The state's job increase was the largest for one month since 2007, though the unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, up from 9.4 percent in February. The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in March was 9.7 percent.

In Missouri, construction employment jumped by 4,100 jobs, and leisure and hospitality employment was up by 3,000 jobs. DED said the leisure increase was partly due to the opening of the new River City Casino in St. Louis.

Employment in support services was up by 1,000 jobs, as better weather led to increased work for landscapers and other outdoor workers, the release said. Federal employment was also up, due to increased hiring of tax processors and temporary census workers.

Among the state's metropolitan areas, Springfield employment remained basically unchanged from the month before, as did most metro areas. St. Louis added 5,100 jobs for the month.