Delaware's unemployment rate remained at 3.9% in May, slightly below the national average. The state reported a loss of 800 jobs and 700 job seekers in the labor force. Delaware's total labor force decreased to 505,600 people. The national unemployment rate rose to 4%. The labor force includes workers, those receiving unemployment benefits, and those in search of work who aren't receiving assistance. The official monthly unemployment figure is determined by continuous unemployment insurance claims and a survey of residents' employment status. Delaware's three counties had varying rates of unemployment, with New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties reporting rates of 3.8%, 4.4%, and 3.8% respectively. Wilmington and Dover, the state's most populous cities, experienced higher job losses. Wilmington's unemployment rate increased to 5.7% and Dover's rate remained at 6%. Leading job gains were seen in financial services, which added 400 jobs, and professional and business services, private education, and health, each adding 100 jobs. The sectors with the greatest job losses were leisure and hospitality, trade and transportation, and government, each shedding 300 jobs, followed by construction and manufacturing, each shedding 100 jobs. [63fd5df5]
