Delaware’s unemployment rate continues to rise.
For the second straight month, the state’s jobless rate rose a tenth of a percent. It’s at 3.4 percent for the month of August.
The rate rose for the first time this year in July - after three months at a 30-year low 3.2 percent.
The national rate holds steady at 3.7 percent.
Delaware Department of Labor officials say the First State’s economy is experiencing a minor slowdown. The number of unemployed residents rose in August from 16,000 to 16,600 and the number of residents with jobs declined slightly for the first time this year.
But the officials point out Delaware teenagers are participating more in the job market than teens nationwide. Teen labor force participation is at 37.6 percent in Delaware compared to 34.9 percent nationally. Also, the teenage unemployment rate in Delaware is less than half the national 12.8 percent rate - sitting at 5.7 percent.
