Associated Press Published

West Virginia Unemployment Rate Drops in November

Coal Layoffs, unemployed

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped four-tenths of a percentage point to 6.5 percent in November.

WorkForce West Virginia says in a news release that the number of unemployed state residents fell by 3,200 last month to 52,100.

A loss of 1,000 jobs in the goods-producing sector last month offset an increase of 900 in the service-providing sector.

Job losses in the goods-producing sector included 600 in construction, and 200 each in manufacturing and in mining and logging.

In the service-providing sector, job gains included 700 in trade, transportation and utilities, 600 in educational and health services, 500 in other services and 100 in information. Job declines included 700 in leisure and hospitality and 300 in financial activities.

Nationally, the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5 percent in November.