Minnesota employers cut 7,500 jobs in October

ST. PAUL — Minnesota employers cut 7,500 jobs in October, according to figures released today by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The state’s unemployment rate edged up to a seasonally adjusted 6 percent in October. That compares with a U.S. rate of 6.5 percent after 240,000 jobs were lost nationwide during the month.

“The state and national economies continue to be tested by a broad slowdown that has hit many sectors,” DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy said. “Despite the challenging job market, financial activities as well as education and health services continue to post surprisingly strong employment numbers in Minnesota.”

McElroy encourages people who are seeking jobs to visit any of DEED’s 47 WorkForce Centers around the state, including the one located within Ridgewater College’s Hutchinson campus. The centers offer a variety of free services, including computer terminals and other resources for job searches, and workshops on writing resumes and preparing for job interviews.

The state’s September employment figures were adjusted upwards by 1,500 jobs. Minnesota ’s over-the-year job growth stands at -0.6 percent, compared with the nation’s -0.8 percent.

(Terry Davis is a Hutchinson Leader staff writer. E-mail him at davis@hutchinsonleader.com.)