SALINA -Unemployment in Saline County was up just a tick in May compared to April, at 4.0 percent.

McPherson and Ellsworth County were also up slightly from April at 3.3 and 3.7 percent respectively.

Dickinson County was steady at 5.4 percent.

Statewide, the jobless rate rose to 4.4 percent in May from 4.3 percent in April, according to monthly statistics released this week by the Kansas Department of Labor.

“Preliminary estimates show Kansas lost 3,800 jobs from April to May. Changing seasonal factors led to a decline in student workers at the State universities,” said Tyler Tenbrink, Senior Labor Economist. “Also, construction activity slowed in May, likely due to above average rainfall during the month. Administrative and support services as well as food services also contributed to the decline over the month.”

The June Labor Report will be released July 17.