Jobless rate up a little in October

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state's unemployment rate crept up again in October but mirrored the national average and remained well below the level a year ago.

The state's seasonally adjusted rate was 5 percent last month, the Department of Economic Development said Thursday. The rate in September was 4.9 percent, and in October 2004, it was 5.8 percent.

Employment fell largely because of drops for a second month in the leisure and hospitality industry, economic development officials said, a decline likely due to high fuel costs affecting travel. Since August, seasonally adjusted employment in these industries fell by 11,800 jobs. Government jobs also fell.

But the agency said good weather in October helped the construction industry remain strong, adding 3,900 jobs, instead of dropping off as usual.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls have grown by 25,300 jobs, or about 0.9 percent.

"More Missourians have jobs than a year ago and the state employment picture is better than it has been in four years, which are all signs that our economic development strategy is working," Gov. Matt Blunt said.

Job growth was helped by durable goods manufacturing, which added 4,200 jobs, and construction, which increased by 3,300.

Educational and health services added 9,000 jobs, mostly from health care and social assistance. Wholesale trade added 2,100 jobs over the past year, while retail trade went up by 1,100.

Financial activities gained 4,500 jobs, or 2.7 percent, over the year, while professional and business services grew by 4,300 jobs. Employment in the information sector was up by 1,600. Government employment is down by 4,600 jobs over the year.

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On the Net:

Department of Economic Development: http://www.ecodev.state.mo.us