JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- The unemployment rate in Missouri held steady at 9.5 percent last month, although the state suffered a net loss of 6,500 payroll jobs.
The virtual standstill job market in the state mirrored conditions around the country. The national civilian unemployment rate in December was 9.4 percent.
Friday's report from the state Department of Economic Development also said last month's figure in Missouri was very close to the rate of December 2009, when it stood at 9.6 percent.
The sector that includes trade, transportation and utilities shed 2,800 jobs. Missouri also lost 1,800 jobs in construction and 1,600 in leisure and hospitality.
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