Mass. unemployment rate rises slightly

The Massachusetts unemployment rate increased to 8 percent in April from 7.7 percent in March, the state's Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported today.

The March rate was originally estimated at 7.8 percent, the office added.

The national unemployment rate climbed to 8.9 percent in April from 8.5 percent in March, the office said in a press release. One year ago, in April 2008, Massachusetts recorded a 4.8 percent rate while the US rate was at 5 percent.

"April job losses totaled 12,100," the agency's press release said. "While the Massachusetts economy continues to feel the effects of the national recession, the April job loss was significantly lower than the 19,900 job decline in March. The Information sector added jobs in April while Government sector jobs were unchanged with losses in State and Local Government offset by gains in Federal Government. All other sectors recorded job losses over the month."

The press release also said, "At 3,183,000, jobs are down 116,100 or 3.5 percent from one year ago, with 93,900 of the net job loss occurring over the last six months."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)