State Unemployment Rate Up Slightly in January

By Kara Seymour

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate increased slightly in January, according to the most recent figures released Friday.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, the state’s unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in January to 5.1 percent.

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate is still below the U.S. rate of 5.7 percent.

Since January 2014, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has decreased 1.2 percentage points.

Here are some facts released in Friday’s report:

• Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force increased by 13,000 in January to 6,365,000
• Resident employment was up 10,000 while unemployment was up 3,000
• Total nonfarm jobs were down 3,500 in January to 5,822,000.
• The largest increase was in financial activities, up 2,500
• Education and health services jobs were down 7,300 from a record high level in December