Jobless Rate Rises Again

WETHERSFIELD (AP) –– The unemployment rate in Connecticut jumped to five percent in February, up from 4.8 percent in January, the state Labor Department announced Monday.

It is the seventh consecutive month joblessness has increased.

Since last year, the number of jobs in the state has fallen about by 17,600, to 1.65 million, a decline of about one percent.

“Consumer concerns regarding the war in Iraq and poor showings in the stock market continue to have a negative effect on the economy –– at both the state and national levels,” said state labor economist John Tirinzonie.

Unemployment in Connecticut remains below the national figure for February of 5.8 percent.

A handful of job gains in Connecticut from January to February were reported in trade, transportation and utilities –– which recorded 315,200 jobs, up by about 9,000 –– and education and health services, which gained about 5,000 jobs, to 265,000.