RALEIGH – For the first time in seven months, the state unemployment rate saw a slight increase, according to a report from the NC Department of Commerce released Monday morning.

Compared to the final month of 2012, North Carolina’s January jobless rate rose from 9.4 to 9.5 percent, which is 0.1 better than a year ago. The seasonally adjusted number of people with jobs grew by nearly 3,000 people while those without grew by more than 6,000.

The national average saw its first climb in three months after holding steady at 7.8 percent since November. The US jobless rate is 7.9 percent, which is 0.4 better than a year ago.

The county-by-county numbers for January are scheduled to be released on Friday and February’s statewide numbers will be announced next Thursday.

Full Release