July shows little change in unemployment rate

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports this morning that the unemployment rate increased slightly to 8.3%, compared to 8.2% in June. 

Neither the number of unemployed persons – now 12.8 million – nor the unemployment rate has changed much in 2012. 

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 163,000 in July -- more than the consensus forecast of about 100,000. The bureau said the construction and retail trade industries were among those major industries that showed little or no change compared to last month.

Employment in temporary help services trended up, with the addition of 14,000 jobs.

Last year in July, the unemployment rate stood at 9.1%.