Unemployment Drops in Massachusetts

The unemployment rate fell by .2 percent Massachusetts in August, according to the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce development.

The department, which released the numbers yesterday, said the rate decreased from 7.6 percent in July to 7.4 percent in August, the lowest tally since Feb. 2009. The nation unemployment rate is 9.1 percent.

The department reported a 8,900 job decrease, but attributed that larged to the 6,100 striking information sector workers.

For the year to date, 41,800 jobs have been added in Massachusetts, while 47,700 private sector jobs have been added.

The local unemployment numbers will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 20.