Though July state unemployment rates are two-tenths higher than they were in June, the North Carolina unemployment rate is lower than it was a year ago.

Currently at 9.6, the unemployment rate in July 2011 was 10.7, according to the N.C. Employment Security Commission press release, issued on Aug. 17.

The national unemployment rate is currently 8.3 percent, according to the release.

“In July, the private sector gained 16,000 jobs,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Deputy Security Dale Carroll. “When we focus long-term growth, North Carolina has added more than 101,000 nonfarm jobs since January 2010. There continues to be a strong focus and commitment by out workforce partners and our employment service officers across the state to recruit jobs and put people back to work in North Carolina.”

Leisure and Hospitality Service jobs have gained 5,900 jobs with the largest over-the-month increase, according to the release.

In the past year, nonfarm jobs have gained 36,800 jobs and the service providing sector has increased to 35,200 jobs and jobs in the good producing sector have increased by 1,600, said the N.C. Employment Security Commission.

County unemployment rates for July will be announced Friday, Aug. 24.

More information concerning unemployment rates for the state and its counties can be found at the DES website, http://www.ncesc.com.

Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 18 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com