Unemployment rises slightly in Mahoning Valley

YOUNGSTOWN — For the first time since July, the Mahoning Valley’s unemployment rate inched higher in November based on 1,600 fewer people being employed.

The unemployment rate for Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties combined was 7.3 percent in November, an increase from the 7.1 percent rate in October, according to labor market statistics provided by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The local work force shrank by 1,000 workers, which wasn’t enough to make up for the loss of jobs and 300 more people filing for unemployment during the month.

November’s rate still shows progress for the Valley compared to a year ago, however. In November 2011, the unemployment rate was 8.3 percent. The area also had a smaller work force, 4,800 fewer people employed and 2,600 more people unemployed.

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