Iowa unemployment rate edges higher

Iowa's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 4 percent in June from 3.9 percent in May, according to Iowa Workforce Development.

The state's jobless rate was 3.6 percent a year ago.

The number of unemployed Iowans rose to 68,100 in June from 66,600 in May. The total number of working Iowans decreased to 1,642,900 last month, 1,900 lower than May and 6,300 higher than a year ago.

'Despite the increase in the unemployment rate in June, reaching the highest level since November 2014, Iowa's businesses added 5,100 jobs last month,” Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development said in a news release. 'Good paying, secure jobs continue to be available in Iowa.”

Nonfarm employment expanded by 5,100 to 1,581,100 jobs in June, helping to partially offset an unusually large decline of 6,100 jobs in May. The private sector was responsible for nearly all of the movement last month as government added just 100 jobs.

Seasonal industries seemed to fare well in June, led by construction with a gain of 2,100 jobs. Since 2011, Iowa's construction industry has generally trended up due to a positive outlook from businesses and increased demand for housing.

Trade and transportation also posted a strong gain of 1,900 jobs in June due to expansion in all industries. The arts and entertainment sectors fueled leisure and hospitality with a larger-than-seasonal increase of 1,700 jobs.

Employment losses were limited to professional and business services with a decline of 1,500 jobs and manufacturing with the loss of 600 positions.

Manufacturing, affected by large layoffs in the agricultural and construction equipment sectors, has recorded a single monthly gain in 2016. The state's manufacturing sector has shed 7,700 jobs since June 2015.

All of the annual employment loss stems from the durable goods factories. Employment in nondurable goods manufacturing is unchanged over the same period.