business

Minnesota’s employers added 2,000 jobs in January, helping the unemployment rate to fall to 6.7 percent, the lowest rate since December 2008, state officials said.

The last time the state’s unemployment rate was below 7 percent was in December 2009, when it was 6.9 percent.

The state also revised December’s jobless rate down to 6.9 percent from 7 percent.  

The U.S. unemployment rate was 9 percent in January.

Only two of nine sectors reported job losses during the month, namely retail trade and government.

With regard to job growth, education and health services led the way, adding 4,200 jobs during January.

Leisure and hospitality added 1,800 jobs, while “other services” gained 900 jobs and financial services gained 700. In a surprise move the construction sector gained 200 jobs during the month, matching the job gains of the professional and business service sector. Logging and mining jobs grew by a net 500 positions, while manufacturing only gained 200 jobs.  The information sector added just 100 positions during January.

“The figures indicate a slow but steady improvement in the Minnesota Labor Market,” said Mark Phillips, the new commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “While the economy continues to face headwinds, we’re seeing a number of positive signs, including growth in temp-help hiring, rising consumer confidence and declining initial claims for unemployment benefits.”

 Dee DePass • 612-673-7725