CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s unemployment rate increased to 5 percent in August, with the largest decrease in employment in trade, transportation and utility industries.
Total unemployment is down 7,500 over the last year. The national average in August was 4.4 percent.
Employment increased by 2,600 employees in mining and logging; 1,100 in construction; 600 in financial activities; and 4,400 in educational and health services. According to WorkForce West Virginia, total nonfarm payroll employment has increased by 900 since August 2016.
These were countered with declines in multiple sectors, including a loss of 3,800 jobs in trade, transportation and utilities;1,600 in government; 1,500 in manufacturing; 700 in leisure; and 300 in information.
The total number of unemployed West Virginians increased by 2,300 last month to 39,200 people.