State unemployment rate increases slightly to 8.8%

Missouri's unemployment rate for August moved up one-tenth of a point to 8.8 percent compared to July, according to a news release from the Department of Economic Development.

Still, the state's unemployment rate stands seven-tenths of a point lower than it was in January and three-tenths of a point below the national August unemployment rate of 9.1 percent.

Missouri's nonfarm payroll decreased by 3,100 jobs during the month, the release said.

In the Midwest region, the unemployment rate was 8.5 percent during August, according to a news release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The state's unemployment rate in August 2010 was 9.6 percent, while the region's unemployment rate was 10.1 percent a year ago.

In the most recent unemployment report for metropolitan statistical areas nationwide released Aug. 31, the BLS pointed to a 7.7 percent July unemployment rate for the Springfield MSA, compared to 8.1 percent in June and 8.9 percent in July 2010.