Missouri’s unemployment for December sees an increase

Missouri’s unemployment increased slightly to 3.1 percent in December, the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Tuesday.

In November, Missouri’s unemployment rate fell to 3 percent, the lowest rate since the DED began compiling the data in 1976.

Last month health care and social assistance along with food service industries added 1,800 jobs each, according to a DED news release.

Professional and business services added 1,200 jobs and manufacturers added 600 jobs statewide in December. Those gains were offset by job losses in transportation, warehousing, utilities and non-durable goods manufacturing.

Last month the U.S. unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 3.7 percent in November to 3.9 percent in December.