State unemployment falls slightly in September

The state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 5 percent in September, compared to 5.1 percent in August. The not-seasonally adjusted rate was 4.8 percent, down from 4.9 percent in August.

Both rates are a tenth of a point lower than in September 2005.

September brought gains in construction, which added 1,100 workers; manufacturing, which increased by 1,600 workers; and professional business services, which added 500 workers.

Trade, transportation and utilities saw decreases and were down 2,300 workers, mostly in retail trade. Private educational and health services lost 1,100 workers.

Nonfarm payroll employment fell in September by 8,200 workers on a seasonally adjusted basis to 2.75 million. The decrease was seen mostly in government, down 5,700 workers.

Students returning to school contributed to the employment loss, while most educators returned to work in August and contributed to gains in that month instead of September.

In the past year, nonfarm payrolls have grown by 16,300 jobs, a 0.6 percent increase.