Unemployment rises in November

Virginia’s unemployment rate ticked up slightly in November to 3.7 percent.

The November figure from the Virginia Employment Commission represents an increase of one-tenth of a percentage point from the October rate of 3.6 percent.

The VEC jobless percentages are seasonally adjusted, meaning they take into account seasonal fluctuations in the laborforce.

Before November’s increase, Virginia’s unemployment rate had fallen by a tenth of a percentage point for each of the preceding two months.

The November rate represents a decline of four-tenths of a percentage point from the 4.1 percent employment rate recorded 12 months before.

The national jobless rate for November 2017 was 4.1 percent.

The VEC said the commonwealth’s unemployment rate has been trending downward since its peak at 7.4 percent in January and February in 2010.

Virginia’s nonfarm employment decreased by 5,700 jobs during November, its second consecutive decline. Total employment now stands at 3,966,500 jobs.

During November, employment fell in four major industry sectors while increasing in six.

The biggest decline occurred in the trade and transportation sector, which fell 4,700 jobs to 656,600, its second consecutive decline.

The largest gain in employment occurred in miscellaneous services, which grew by 1,100 jobs to 203,300.

Employment remained unchanged in mining during the month at 7,800 jobs.

During the 12-month period ending in November, Virginia gained 33,700 jobs, with the biggest gains occurring in Northern Virginia (14,000) and the Richmond area (9,600).