Associated Press Published

State Unemployment Rate Unchanged in March

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West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged in March at 6.5 percent.

WorkForce West Virginia said in a news release Tuesday that the number of unemployed state residents increased by 600 last month to 51,400.

Job gains included 1,400 in construction, 800 in leisure and hospitality, 700 in educational and health services, 500 in professional and business services, and 200 each in financial activities and government.

Job declines included 700 in mining and logging, and 400 in both manufacturing and in trade, transportation and utilities.

Nationally, the unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 5 percent in March.