Minnesota unemployment rate dips to 6.8 percent

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota's unemployment rate dipped to a seasonally adjusted 6.8 percent in June, mirroring the national trend.

Figures released today by the Department of Employment and Economic Development show the state's jobless rate fell 0.2 percentage points from May. It says the state's rate remained well below the U.S. rate of 9.5 percent in June.

But Minnesota also shed 3,700 jobs during the month, primarily temporary census jobs.

Leisure and hospitality added 5,100 jobs in Minnesota in June. The main job losses were in retail.

Commissioner Dan McElroy says Minnesota has gained more than 11,000 jobs in the past 12 months, representing the first year-over-year employment growth in the state since April of 2008.