Virginia unemployment dips to 4 percent in January

After being stuck at 4.1 percent for six months, Virginia’s unemployment rate dropped to 4 percent in January.

The Virginia Employment Commission reported that, in declining one-tenth of a percentage point, the January 2017 jobless rate matched the same number recorded 12 months before.

The national unemployment rate for January was 4.8 percent.

The unemployment numbers are seasonally adjusted, meaning that they take into account seasonal fluctuations in the labor market.

During January, the Virginia labor force grew for the 10th consecutive month to 4.27 million, a record high. The commonwealth’s nonfarm employment rose to 3.95 million in January, also a record.

The job growth occurred in private-sector employment, which rose by 15,800 jobs to 3.24 million. Public-sector employment, on the other hand, declined by 1,600 jobs to 713,500.

During January, employment increased in six major industry divisions, while it declined in four and remained unchanged in construction at 189,300 jobs.

The biggest increase occurred in professional and business services, which rose by 9,700 jobs to 728,300. The biggest loss took place in private education and health services, which fell 2,200 jobs to 535,900.