TOPEKA –The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Kansas continued to decrease in November to 5.4 percent, while nonfarm and private sector jobs increased slightly since October.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by 0.3 percentage points from 5.7 percent in October and by 1 percent from 6.4 percent one year ago. The non-adjusted rate in November was 5.2 percent, the same as one month ago and a decrease from 6.1 percent in November 2011.
In Barton County, the non-adjusted rate for November was 3.8, up from 3.6 in October, but down from  4.5 in November of 2011. In other words, out of a potential labor force of 15,828, 15,226 were employed last month, leaving 602 out of work.
“The Kansas labor market continues to move in a positive direction. The indicators are moving in the right direction, the unemployment rate is declining, however annual job growth has been slow,” said Lana Gordon, Interim Secretary of Labor.
Kansas gained 4,900 private sector jobs and 4,700 nonfarm jobs since one year ago, increases of 0.4 and
0.3 percent respectively. Since October, the state added 1,700 nonfarm jobs and 1,100 private sector jobs.
The civilian labor force in Kansas was 1,490,295 in November. This was up slightly from October 2012 and up by approximately 7,000 from September 2012.
“The November labor report reveals some evidence of improvement in the Kansas labor market. The unemployment rate continues its significant decline for the third consecutive month while the labor force has remained stable,” Tyler Tenbrink, Senior Labor Economist, said. “While these are good signs, the overall labor market remains uncertain.”
Six of the 11 major industries showed job gains since October. Trade, transportation and utilities increased by 2,700 jobs, a 1.1 percent growth. Professional and business services added 1,900 jobs, or 1.2 percent. Education and health services gained 1,000 jobs, a 0.5 percent increase.
Four of the major industries reported job gains since one year ago. Professional and business services increased by 5,400 jobs, or 3.5 percent. Manufacturing gained 3,600 jobs, a 2.2 percent growth, and education and health services added 2,900 jobs or 1.6 percent.
Continued unemployment insurance claims decreased in November from both one month ago and from November 2011. Initial claims decreased from one year ago, but increased from October 2012.
Nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 146,000 in November, and the unemployment rate edged down to 7.7 percent. Employment increased in retail trade, professional and business services, and health care. The number of unemployed persons, at 12.0 million, changed little.
The December 2012 Kansas Labor Report will be released on Jan. 17, 2013. For more information, visit www.dol.ks.gov.