Unemployment inches up to 5.1 percent in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The unemployment rate in Oklahoma has risen slightly for the third consecutive month _ although the number of Oklahomans with a job also increased.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said Friday that unemployment for September was 5.2 percent _ up from 5.1 percent in August and 4.9 percent in July.

The commission said the number of residents with a job rose to 1.71 million _ an increase of 13,700 over July. At the same time the number looking for a job rose from 1.79 million to 1.81 million.

The biggest job gains came in the trade, transportation and utilities sector _ which added 2,300 workers.

The professional and business services sector declined by 3,800 jobs while the education and health services industries dropped by 1,600 jobs.