Winter weather hikes Mo. unemployment rate

An unusually harsh season of winter weather has taken its toll on the Missouri unemployment rate, according to the state Department of Economic Development.

The DED said winter weather during the past three months is to blame for a jump in Missouri's jobless rate to 6.4 percent in February, compared to 6 percent in January and 5.9 percent in December, according to a news release.

Missouri employers recorded net job growth of 1,300 positions in February, led by the construction industry, which increased by 2,900 jobs, and retail trade employment, which grew by 1,100 workers, the release said.

The U.S. unemployment rate for February was flat at 6.7 percent.