State's labor force posts growth in September
The state's labor force hit an all-time high in September, according to a news release from the Employment Security Commission.
Seasonally-adjusted employment increased by 18,887 to nearly 4.25 million. Unemployment also increased - by 4,063 - to 217,494. The state has seen growth of 119,829 employed individuals since September 2005.
In September, the state's unemployment rate went up to 4.9 percent, from 4.8 percent in July and August. That's the highest rate posted in the state this year, and it surpasses the nation's unemployment rate, which was 4.6 percent in September.
But the state's unemployment rate remains down year-over-year. It was 5.3 percent in September 2005.
County breakdowns of September unemployment come out in a week.