Iowa’s unemployment rate jumped to 5.8 percent in May, reaching its highest level since July 1986 and placing the state in the company of 47 states and the District of Columbia that reported worsening job figures last month.

In April, the Iowa jobless rate was 5.1 percent. The rate was 4 percent in May 2008.

“While unemployment may continue to rise for some time, job losses are expected to progressively lessen in the month ahead,” Iowa Workforce Development Director Elisabeth Buck said in a news release.

Buck said the May unemployment rate was the result of a “surge” in new workers and an overall decline in employment. In all, the state recorded 6,800 fewer workers last month.

Professional and business services posted a gain of 1,600 workers in May. Construction and financial services both reported 800 additional jobs; employment in trade transportation and utilities was up 200. The majority of job losses were in manufacturing and other goods-producing sectors.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said that just two states, Nebraska and Vermont, reported a decline or no change in their unemployment rate. The U.S. unemployment rate rose to a 26-year high of 9.4 percent in May.