Area jobless rate falls to 4.2 percent

Winchester-area unemployment fell slightly to 4.2 percent in October, as seasonal employment gains offset rising jobless claims, according to the Virginia Employment Commission.

Virginia's 10 metropolitan areas showed relatively little change in unemployment from September to October.

Winchester, which for employment purposes includes the city, Frederick County and Hampshire County, W.Va., was one of three areas of the state to see a drop in jobless claims month to month.

Across the region, Shenandoah County posted the biggest drop -- four-tenths of a point, to 4.7 percent, while Frederick County, the region's largest employment base, fell two-tenths of a point to 4.2 percent. Winchester's rate dipped to 4.7 percent.

Clarke (3.8 percent), Rappahannock (3.5 percent) and Warren (4.6 percent) counties all saw slight increases in unemployment during the period.

Statewide, unemployment was unchanged from September at 4.2 percent.

The fourth quarter is normally the best time of the year for employment in Virginia, according to the VEC, and the state's economy is still seeing 0.5 percent job growth annually.

-- Daily Staff Report