Arizona jobless rate rises in July to 8.3 percent
Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's unemployment rate is up slightly after remaining constant for three straight months.
The state Department of Administration reports that the seasonally adjusted rate for July was 8.3 percent, up from 8.2 percent in April, May and June.
The state's nonfarm workforce lost 21,800 jobs in July, with two-thirds of those in state and local government as schools reduced payroll for summer.
The private sector lost 6,100 jobs in July, but private-sector employment remained over 2011 levels for the fifth straight month.
Besides government, sectors losing jobs included leisure and hospitality, down 5,700 jobs. Other sectors with larger losses include trade, transportation and utilities and education and health services.
Sectors with employment gains in July were led by financial activities, manufacturing and construction.
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