State Unemployment Rate 6.6 Percent in March

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased five-tenths of a percentage point to 6.6 percent in March 2015. The number of unemployed state residents increased 3,600 to 50,800. Total unemployment was down 3,400 over the year. The national unemployment rate remained at 5.5 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment decreased 4,800 in March, with losses of 2,000 in the goods-producing sector and 2,800 in the service-providing sector.

Within the goods-producing sector, employment in mining and logging was down 1,000, while construction was down 1,400. Manufacturing increased 400. Within the service-providing sector, government contained the sole gain of 100 jobs. Employment declines included 300 in trade, transportation and utilities, 300 in financial activities, 800 in professional and business services, 300 in educational and health services, 1,000 in leisure and hospitality and 200 in other services. Employment in information was unchanged.

Since March 2014, total nonfarm payroll employment has decreased by 3,700. Employment gains included 900 in manufacturing, 300 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 2,600 in professional and business services, 1,000 in educational and health services, and 1000 in government. Employment declines included 2,100 in mining and logging, 2,400 in construction, 100 in information, 1,000 in financial activities, 3,500 in leisure and hospitality, and 400 in other services.

West Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 7.7 percent.

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