State unemployment rate rises slightly

Missouri's unemployment rate rose a tenth of a point to 6.9 percent last month, despite employers adding 12,800 jobs statewide month-to-month.

The job growth was led by 5,400 new jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry, according to a Missouri Department of Economic Development news release.

Increases also were recorded in durable goods manufacturing, at 2,000 jobs; administrative, support and waste management services, 1,700; and financial activities, 1,200.

The release pointed to three major expansion announcements during June:

• General Motors Co.'s addition of a third stamping press and stamping plant to create or retain 55 jobs and invest $133 million in its Wentzville plant;
• Boeing Co. creating 400 jobs with the opening of an information technology center in St. Louis; and
• SRG Global Inc.'s plans to invest $4.2 million in Portageville, enhancing the skills of 350 employees.

The U.S. jobless rate was unchanged last month at 7.6 percent. June represents the 46th consecutive month the Missouri unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate, according to the release.