Missouri unemployment rate down in January

Missouri's unemployment rate fell slightly in January and remains below the national average, according to numbers released Wednesday by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The state seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 9.5 percent, down from 9.6 percent in December 2009. The national unemployment rate in January, seasonally adjusted, was 9.7 percent.

The state's overall nonfarm payroll fell by 12,800 jobs. The decrease in employment was blamed mostly on the unusually harsh winter weather, which contributed to drops in employment in construction and related industries.

Construction employment was down 7,700 jobs, while administrative and support services lost 3,400 jobs, 3,100 jobs were lost in leisure and hospitality, and 2,400 jobs were lost in other services. The decreases were offset by an 1,100 job gain in manufacturing, 1,600 jobs gained in retail trades, management gains of 1,000 jobs, and 1,900 jobs added in government.

The Kansas City metropolitan area lost 4,600 jobs in January, but the state's other metropolitan areas, including Springfield, were relatively unchanged from the month before.