Louisiana Gained 4,300 Jobs in March

Louisiana gained 4,300 non-farm jobs in March, but the overall unemployment rate went up, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Louisiana’s unemployment rate rose slightly, from 5.7% in February to 5.8% in March. That’s 2.3% lower than the national rate.

The state lost 5,900 jobs in construction, manufacturing and petroleum; but the service sector added 10,200 jobs, with retail and leisure-hospitality the big winners.

Louisiana’s petroleum industry lost 1,500 jobs.

The state reported 18,430 new and renewed claims for unemployment compensation in March, compared with 14,607 in February, and 9,118 in March 2008.