Iowa’s unemployment rate climbed slightly higher in December to 3.2 percent, according to data released this (Friday) morning by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD). The number of unemployed Iowans increased to 53,900 in December, up 900 from November. Meanwhile, the state added 4,000 jobs, bringing total nonfarm employment to 1,606,200. An influx of recent college graduates helped improve the state’s labor force participation rate to 66.4 percent, up from 66.3 percent the prior month. IWD Director Beth Townsend says, “The increase in labor force participation was driven largely by college graduates who quickly decided to enter our workforce. With over 50,000 open jobs in Iowa, there is still an abundance of opportunities for graduates and other Iowans looking for their next job.” Service industries led job growth in December, with significant gains in trade, transportation, healthcare, and social assistance. Construction added 800 jobs, while accommodations and food services grew by 600. However, the manufacturing sector faced losses, shedding 800 jobs in December and 7,700 over the past year. Nationally, the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.1 percent during the same period. For a detailed breakdown of Iowa’s labor force statistics, follow the link included below. Local unemployment numbers are expected to be released early next week.
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