Area job losses continue to mount

The Winchester area lost 600 jobs in the 12 months ending Nov. 30, largely due to recent factory layoffs, according to a Virginia Employment Commission report.

The 1 percent decline was the largest among Virginia metro areas.

Job losses in mining, construction and manufacturing totaled 700, or 5.5 percent, outweighing a gain of 100 services jobs during the period.

The state as a whole added about 3,200 positions over November 2007.

Daily Staff Report