Unemployment Rate Up Slightly for First Time in Four Months

Iowa’s unemployment rate went up slightly for the first time in four months in August — moving from two-point-eight to two-point-nine percent. 

Workforce Development director Beth Townsend says the state is doing well despite several manufacturing lay-offs.

Townsend says concerns about the national economy are part of the issue with manufacturing layoffs.

Townsend says those who get laid off still have many options.

Townsend says Iowa’s economy continues to weather the problems at the national level.

Delaware County continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in eastern Iowa at two-point-six percent. Unemployment rates for surrounding counties include Buchanan and Fayette counties at three percent, Clayton County at three-point-one, Dubuque County at three-point-three, Jones County at three-point-four and Linn County at three-point-five percent.

partial story contribution courtesy of Radio Iowa