The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) reports the non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from last month at 5.8 percent and down from 6 percent one year ago. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.8 percent, up from 5.7 percent in May 2013 and the same as in June 2012.  The unemployment rate in Ellis County for June was 3.2%, up from 2.7% in April and the same percentage as in March.

The labor market posted a noteworthy increase in jobs over the month of  June. Non-seasonally adjusted private sector jobs

increased by 10,000 in the last month in Kansas. Approximately half of the gain in jobs over the month was due to seasonal factors. Non-seasonally adjusted job gains for June came from nine of the 11 major industries. Leisure and hospitality gained 3,000 jobs; trade, transportation and utilities gained 2,900 jobs; and manufacturing grew by 1,500 jobs where gains were in both durable and non-durable goods.

Two major industries, government and other services, reported over-the-month job losses.

“The estimate of average weekly hours worked increased in June to 35.1 hours. This is a rebound from the previous five months which only averaged 34.4,” said Tyler Tenbrink, Senior Labor Economist. “Part of the change over the month was seasonal and not unusual for June, however, this is an early sign that may lead to job growth if it continues on this trend.”

The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from last month at 5.8 percent and down from 6 percent one year ago. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.8 percent, up from 5.7 percent in May 2013 and the same as in June 2012.

“Initial unemployment claims were down 2,064 from May and down 2,333 from last year, ” said Lana Gordon, Secretary of Labor. “Fewer people coming into the unemployment system means more Kansans finding work and staying employed.”