Unemployment in Massachusetts Increased in January

The unemployment rate in Massachusetts increased to 9.5 percent in January from a revised 9.3 percent in December. The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reports the state added a net of 400 jobs last month, but the labor force increased by 3,200, which resulted in the uptick in the unemployment rate.

The biggest jobs gains came in retail, which added 3,500 jobs. Health services, education and scientific and businesses services also saw increases last month. The biggest losses came in construction, which shed 4,000 jobs, and manufacturing, which lost 3,100 jobs.

The national unemployment rate last month was 9.7 percent.