Iowa jobless rate unchanged in September

Iowa's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.2 percent in September as more residents participated in the workforce.

The total number of working Iowans increased to 1.65 million in September, an increase of 8,200 from August and 9,600 higher than a year ago, according to Iowa Workforce Development.

The number of unemployed Iowans declined to 72,500 in September from 72,800 in August. The current estimate is 11,800 higher than the year ago level of 60,700.

'The fact that the additional workers could find jobs is a good sign regarding the state of Iowa's economy despite the recent uptick in the unemployment rate in the past few months,” Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development director, said in a news release.

Employers pared 900 jobs last month, halting three consecutive months of growth. Much of the loss was due to reductions in the government sector, particularly local government education.

Even with the reductions, government employment remains 4,000 jobs higher than in September 2015. The state as a whole has gained 29,600 jobs over the same period.

Education and health care advanced the most in September with a gain of 1,700 positions, many of which were added in social assistance and day care. The gains more than offset a moderate decline in private education services.

Strengthened by unexpected increases in wholesale, Iowa's trade, transportation, and warehousing sector added 1,100 jobs.

Manufacturing experienced a small increase of 500 jobs last month and has added 2,300 jobs since June. Gains have been fueled by hiring in the durable goods sectors and provide evidence that durable goods factories are willing to boost staffing levels.

Employment losses in September were concentrated in leisure and hospitality with a drop of 1,700 jobs partially explained by seasonal parings in accommodations, food service and recreational industries.