State unemployment rate up in August

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Ohio’s unemployment rate was 5.4 percent in August, up from 5.2 percent in July.

Ohio’s nonagricultural wage and salary employment increased 5,200 over the month, from a revised 5,540,000 in July to 5,545,200 in August, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said Friday.

The state saw an increase of 3,500 in goods-producing industries; 7,600 in private-sector jobs; 6,600 in leisure and hospitality; 3,800 educational and health services; and 3,200 in other services.

Industries that saw a loss were trade, transportation and utilities of 4,500; professional and business services, 1,000; financial activities, 400; information, 100; state government, 3,600; local government, 1,900; and federal government, 400.

Local unemployment figures will be released Tuesday.