State unemployment falls; manufacturing adds jobs

The nonseasonally adjusted unemployment rate last month was 4.8 percent, compared to 5 percent in October, according to a Missouri Department of Economic Development news release. November’s rate was two-tenths of a point lower than the same period in 2005.

After the November increase in payrolls, Missouri’s employment totals 2.76 million jobs.

The manufacturing sector saw the largest gains during the month with 1,800 new jobs, due largely to workers returning after a temporary layoff in the automotive industry, according to the release.

Government jobs grew by 700 in November, while educational/health services and leisure/hospitality each added 500 jobs.

Losses were seen in other services, down by 800 jobs, and trade, transportation and utilities, which dropped 700 jobs.

In the past year, nonfarm payrolls have increased by 0.8 percent, or 21,500 jobs. Professional and business services added the most jobs – 6,700, a 2.1 percent increase.