Iowa's jobless rate edges up to 6.7%

Iowa's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up slightly to 6.7 percent in November from a revised October rate of 6.6 percent.

The state's jobless rate was 4.3 percent one year ago.

The national unemployment rate fell to 10.0 percent in November from 10.2 percent in October, as employers cut the smallest number of jobs since the recession began.

“Iowa's labor market continued to show signs of stabilizing with the November numbers,” said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “However, it will take some time before Iowa can achieve a healthy and sustainable recovery.”

The statewide estimate of unemployed workers rose to 113,100 in November from 112,000 in October. The level of unemployed was reported at 72,800 for the same month one year ago.

The total number of working Iowans decreased to 1,570,200 in November from 1,573,400 in October. The year ago figure of 1,604,900 was 34,700 higher than the current estimate.

Total nonfarm employment in Iowa increased by 4,300 in November, bringing the new total to 1,483,300. Both the service and goods-producing sectors added employment-increasing by 3,500 and 800, respectively. November marked the third time that nonfarm employment has increased in the past four months.

Trade and transportation posted the largest gain in November, adding 2,100 jobs. The sector was bolstered by hiring activity that occurred in wholesale trade, particularly nondurable goods sales related to agricultural products.

Nonfarm employment has shed 35,200 jobs in the last year. The majority of the losses occurred in manufacturing, down 21,600, and construction, which has shed 9,100 jobs.

Iowa Workforce Development will release November county-by-county jobless rate later this month.