Virginia’s jobless rate remains unchanged

Published March 27, 2015 by Robert Powell, III

Virginia’s unemployment remained unchanged in February at 4.7 percent.

February’s rate represents a drop of six-tenths of a percentage point from the same month in 2014.

The national jobless rate for February was 5.5 percent.

All of the figures have been seasonally adjusted, meaning they take into account seasonal changes in the labor market.

Virginia’s labor force expanded in February for the second consecutive month, rising by 8,438 workers.

Total nonfarm employment rose by 11,600 jobs in February to 3.798 million.  The private sector expanded by 10,600 jobs while the public sector added 1,000 jobs.

Employment increased in nine major industry divisions during the month while declining in two more. The biggest jump occurred in professional and business services, up 3,700 jobs to 678,000.

The largest job loss occurred in manufacturing, down 1,000 jobs to 232,700.