Missouri unemployment rises to 4.7 percent

The state’s unemployment rate for the month was 4.7 percent, up from 4.4 percent in May, the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Monday. That’s compared to 5.3 percent last June and 5.9 percent in January 2005.

A seasonal increase in unemployment is typical in June, when many students enter the work force and do not find jobs, according to the DED.

Seasonally adjusted employment slipped by 3,700 jobs over the previous month to 2.75 million jobs. Over the last year, nonfarm payrolls have added 26,100 jobs, an increase of 0.9 percent.

Not seasonally adjusted, losses were seen in leisure and hospitality employment, down by 4,500 jobs; manufacturing, down by 1,800; and construction, down by 1,300.

Gains occurred in trade, transportation and utilities, up by 1,700; educational and health services, up by 1,200; and other services and government, each up by 1,100.

In the last year, the most job creation occurred in educational and health services, retail trade and professional and business services. Manufacturing experienced the greatest decrease over the year, shedding 6,200 jobs.