The October Labor Report shows continued decreases in the unemployment rate and increases in the number of jobs in Kansas.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in October, down from 5.9 percent last month and 6.6 percent in October 2011. The non-adjusted unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, a decrease from
5.3 percent in September and from 6.2 percent one year ago.

“The continued decrease in the unemployment rate is a positive sign for Kansas,” Lana Gordon, Interim Secretary of Labor, said. “It is encouraging to see the number of employed Kansans increasing the past two months.”

Kansas gained 8,700 private sector jobs since October 2011, a 0.8 percent increase. The state added 8,400 nonfarm jobs during this time, a 0.6 percent growth. Since September 2012, Kansas gained 1,000 private sector jobs and 6,100 nonfarm jobs.

“The October Labor Report shows tentativeness as evidenced by the slow seasonal hiring,” Tyler Tenbrink, Labor Economist, said. “One positive economic sign is a decreasing unemployment rate, which improved significantly for the second consecutive month.”

Seven of the 11 major industries reported job increases since October 2011. Professional and business services increased by 6,200 jobs, a 4 percent gain. Manufacturing added 3,900 jobs, and education and health services gained 3,300 jobs.

Six of the 11 major industries saw gains from one month ago. Government gained 5,100 seasonal jobs. Education and health services gained 700 jobs since September and other services gained 600 jobs.