Missouri's Monthly Unemployment Claims Increase

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Layoffs in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing pushed unemployment claims higher in the Show-Me State.

Missouri reported an increase of 2,080 weekly unemployment insurance claims, according to new data released by the U.S. Department of Labor. Nationally, initial claims increased to 386,000.

The unemployment rate in the state fell to 7.1 percent last month, compared to 7.3 percent during May.

Non-farm payrolls, however, dropped by 4,000 and 12,603 left the labor force, according to data by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

People leave the labor force for any number of reasons, but to be counted as unemployed by the government, a person must actively seek employment.