Missouri's unemployment rate rises again

Missouri's unemployment rate rose for the third consecutive month.

The seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 2.8% in December, according to a news release from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

MERIC data and past reporting show the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate began rising in October, when the figure increased to 2.6% from 2.4% in September. The jobless rate was 2.7% in November.

In December, the state's nonfarm payroll employment ranks decreased by 5,000 jobs from a revised November figure, according to the release.

Mining, logging and construction decreased by 4,500 jobs month over month, while goods-producing industries lost 4,300 positions. Educational and health services were among offsetting industries, with a gain of 1,700 jobs, according to MERIC.