Mo. unemployment rate rises again

Missouri’s unemployment rate rose to 5.1 percent in August, marking the third consecutive month of increases.

Last month’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate is above July’s 4.7 percent figure and May’s 4.3 percent number. May was flat from April, according to Missouri Department of Economic Development data.

However, Show-Me State employers in August hired 4,200 new employees, bringing the state to a record high of 2.8 million active jobs, according to a news release.

Private-sector growth was led by administrative, support and waste management services, which added 3,300 jobs last month, followed by social assistance at 3,200 jobs, retail trade at 2,100 and construction at 1,600.