Iowa’s employment rate stays at 4.2 percent

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Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.2 percent in September. The state’s jobless rate was 3.6 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate increased slightly to 5 percent in September. “Due to an increase in the number of Iowans participating in the workforce, Iowa’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent in September,” said Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “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.” The number of unemployed Iowans decreased 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. Seasonal nonfarm jobs fell by 900, ending three months of growth. Based on today’s report, Iowa has added the largest percentage of construction jobs over the last year, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Construction employment has gained 17.7 percent with the addition of 13,700 jobs over the last year, according to a release.