CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s unemployment rate dipped slightly to 7.9 percent in September, down from 8.0 percent in August.
WorkForce West Virginia says there remained 62,000 unemployed residents, with total unemployment down 4,500.
Service-providing jobs grew by 2,900. A gain of 400 mining jobs offset a decline of 200 manufacturing jobs in the good-producing sector.
Government jobs increased by 4,500. Other gains included 1,600 in educational and health services, 200 in information and 100 in other services. Job losses included 1,800 in leisure and hospitality, 1,200 in trade, transportation and utilities and 700 in professional and business services.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly to 8.2 percent, up from 8.1 percent in August. That’s compared to the national rate of 9.1 percent, which was unchanged for the month.