Missouri's unemployment rate dips in April

The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center yesterday reported a decrease in the state's unemployment rate.

Missouri's April seasonally adjusted jobless rate came to 3.4%, compared with 3.6% in March, according to a news release. The March figure was down from a revised February rate of 3.7%.

During April, Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment figure declined by 5,300 jobs to nearly 2.9 million.

Private service-providing industries declined by 4,800 jobs, according to the release. Goods-producing industries increased, with manufacturing gaining 500 jobs and mining, logging and construction posting an increase of 100 positions.

Compared with a year earlier, payroll employment was up by 76,000 jobs in April.