Unemployment Rate Climbs in October

Unemployment increased in West Virginia in October but has declined over the past year.

The state said the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate last month was 6 percent, with an increase of 2,400 unemployed residents, bringing the total to 47,900.

The West Virginia Department of Commerce said total unemployment was down 2,300 over the year.

The national unemployment rate declined slightly to 4.9 percent.

In the goods-producing sector, construction had employment losses of 600, and manufacturing lost 200. That was offset by a gain of 900 in mining and logging. In the service-providing sector, employment increased 500 in education and health services; 300 in trade, transportation and utilities; 200 in professional and business services; and 700 in other services. Employment fell 1,200 in financial activities, 700 in government, 200 in leisure and hospitality, and 100 in information.