State Unemployment Rate 6.1 Percent in February

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a percent to 6.1 percent in February 2015. The number of unemployed state residents increased 1,600 to 47,200. Total unemployment was down 7,000 over the year. The national unemployment rate decreased two-tenths of a percentage point to 5.5 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment decreased 2,400 in February, with losses of 1,300 in the goods-producing sector and 1,100 in the service-providing sector.

Within the goods-producing sector, employment in mining and logging was down 900, and down 200 in both construction and manufacturing. Within the service-providing sector, employment gains included 400 in trade, transportation and utilities. Employment declines included 300 in financial activities, 200 in professional and business services, 300 in educational and health services, 600 in leisure and hospitality, and 100 in other services. Employment in both information and government was unchanged.

Since February 2014, total nonfarm payroll employment has risen by 2,300. Employment gains included 100 in manufacturing, 1,700 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 3,400 in professional and business services, 1,300 in educational and health services, and 800 in government. Employment declines included 1,000 in mining and logging, 700 in construction, 100 in information, 600 in financial activities, 300 in other services and 2,300 in leisure and hospitality.

West Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased six-tenths of a percent to 7.6 percent.

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