Pennsylvania's unemployment rate crept downward in July, even as payrolls and the labor force shrank.
The state Department of Labor and Industry said Friday that Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was 4.9 percent last month, down one-tenth of a percentage point. The national rate moved up slightly in August to 4.4 percent.
A survey of households survey found that Pennsylvania's civilian labor force, employment and unemployment all shrank in August for the second straight month.
A separate survey of employers showed seasonally adjusted non-farm payrolls shrank by 8,000 from a record high in July, remaining above 5.95 million. The tourism, manufacturing and construction sectors reported growth, while government, education and health sectors reported shrinking the most.
Friday's figures are preliminary and could change.
