PA unemployment rate highest since October 2010

(Harrisburg) -- A state report shows Pennsylvania's unemployment rate shot to its highest point since October 2010, as unemployment grew faster than the labor force.

The state Department of Labor and Industry says the unemployment rate rose to 8.2 percent in January -- up from 7.9 percent in December.

The national unemployment rate was 7.7 percent in February.

The department estimates that the number of nonfarm jobs in Pennsylvania was stable at just under 5.75 million jobs, and it lowered its initial payroll numbers from last year.

Its survey of households shows the number of people working or looking for work grew by 17,000 to an all-time high above 6.55 million. But unemployment also grew by an estimated 18,000 people.