Delaware’s unemployment rate rose three-tenths of a percent in August to 6.5 percent as more people entered a labor market that is adding jobs at a rate above the national average.

The jobless rate was also .4 percent above the national rate, the first time in many years that has happened. Delaware’s unemployment rate has usually been a percent or so below the national average.

The Delaware Department of Labor noted that an employer survey showed jobs in the state increasing by 1.5 percent, more than double the .6 percent rate nationally.

Since August of last year, Delaware jobs have risen by 2.7 percent, compared to a 1.8 percent national rate. However, the number of unemployed has fallen by only 600 from a year ago.

Delaware was among 16 states with rising unemployment rates. Of that number, half showed increases in the total labor force.

The jobless rate in Delaware is now far higher than in neighboring Pennsylvania, which was 5.8 percent in August.

The job performance now seems to be closely tracking neighboring Maryland, which posted an August rate of 6.1 percent. According to the Baltimore Business Journal, the state showed an increase in employment, but saw a rise in the jobless rate.

The state Labor Department reported 29,300 unemployed Delawareans in August compared to 29,900 in August 2013. The U.S. unemployment rate in August down from 6.2 percent in July 2014. In July 2013, the U.S. unemployment rate was 7.2 percent, while Delaware’s rate was 6.7 percent.

In August 2014, the job total was 440,300, up from 438,900 in July. Since August 2013, Delaware’s non farm jobs have increased by 11,600, or 2.7 percent. Nationally, jobs during that period increased 1.8 percent.

The 6.5 percent rate might call into question assumptions about lower participation in the workforce due to an aging population that might choose to retire early.

It is possible some older workers are now looking for employment. The same might apply to younger workers who simply dropped out of the workforce after benefits were exhausted or became self-employed.

At an economic forecast last week, PNC Chief Economist Stuart Hoffman said the Delaware unemployment rate could come down to 5.75 to 5.5 percent in the coming year as the economy continues to grow.

Hoffman also took note of a mismatch between the skill sets of those looking for work and the needs of employers at a time when job openings are on the increase. Labor market officials have also held out the possibility that employers are picky and willing to wait for the right candidate to appear.

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