The construction industry accounted for 3,600 of the 4,600 new jobs created in Missouri in May. But the Department of Economic Development says the jobless rate still went up a tenth of a percent from April’s rate to 6.8%.
Missouri’s rate is eight-tenths of a percent below the national average, the 45th straight month Missouri’s rate has trailed the national average.
Department spokesman Amy Susan says the large number of college graduates without jobs contributed to the increased unemployment rate.