State's jobless rate inches upward

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04329/416542.stm

The state's jobless rate rose by one-tenth of a percentage point in October to 5.5 percent, matching the national rate for the second straight month.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry said 4,000 job seekers entered the labor force last month, typically a sign of optimism about the economy. But the increase in people looking for work came as actual employment fell by 6,000 to 5,951,000, causing unemployment to rise by 10,000 to an estimated 348,000.

The numbers, based on samplings of households, are statistically adjusted to reflect seasonal variations such as the start of a new school year.

A separate measure of nonfarm payroll jobs showed employment at establishments in the state rose by 6,100 in October to 5,652,700 and was up 76,900 jobs over October 2003, a 1.1 percent increase.