Those seeking St Louis careers may find a glimmer of hope in the most recent employment numbers.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development reports that employers throughout the state added 7,200 jobs during March, which is tied for the largest one-month increase in employment the state has seen since 2007.
St. Louis added 5,100 jobs that same month, while other areas were mostly unchanged. Missouri's unemployment rate increased from 9.4 percent to 9.5 percent during March, while the national unemployment rate remained unchanged at 9.7 percent.
When it comes to the industries that saw an increase in employment throughout the state:
- Construction added 4,100 jobs.
- Leisure and hospitality added 3,000 jobs, in part because of a new casino in the St. Louis area, and in part because of better weather.
- Administrative and support services added 1,000 jobs as improved weather conditions helped landscaping and other outdoor services.
- Federal government added 1,900 jobs with the addition of tax processors and temporary census workers.
During February, St. Louis' unemployment rate increased from 10.7 percent to 11 percent, following an increase from 9.8 percent during January and keeping it above the national unemployment rate at the time of 9.7 percent.
St. Louis had a total non-farm employment of 1,265,500 workers during February, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 1,262,800 workers during January, but a 2.5 percent decrease from last year.
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