Jobless rate back down in Aug.

Utah unemployment ticked back down by two-tenths of a percent to 3.7 percent in August, according to figures released by the Department of Workforce Services. Approximately 54,800 Utahns were unemployed in the month and actively seeking work.

Utah unemployment ticked back down by two-tenths of a percent to 3.7 percent in August, according to figures released by the Department of Workforce Services. Approximately 54,800 Utahns were unemployed in the month and actively seeking work. Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate held steady from July to August at 4.9 percent.

Utah’s nonfarm payroll employment for August grew by an estimated 3.3 percent, adding 44,800 jobs to the economy as compared to August 2015. There are currently 1,420,900 Utahns holding jobs, the department said.

“The Utah job market continues to grow at an optimal pace,” said Carrie Mayne, chief economist at the Department of Workforce Services. “Unemployment numbers in the state show a pattern of job seekers entering the workforce and finding employment.”

Eight of the 10 private-sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in August as compared to last year, while the natural resources and mining industry decreased by 1,000 positions and the information industry showed no net change.

The largest private sector employment increases were in trade, transportation and utilities (8,600 jobs); education and health services (8,600 jobs); and financial activities (6,600 jobs). The fastest employment growth occurred in financial activities (8.3 percent), construction (6.0 percent), and education and health services (4.8 percent).