By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-919376.mp3
Frankfort, KY – For the first time since February 2009, Kentucky's jobless rate has fallen below 10 percent. The July rate was 9.9 percent. That's down from 10 percent in June.
Jobs in retail and wholesale trade rose last month, as Kentuckians bought back-to-school supplies. Professional and business service agencies also saw employment increases.
On the downside, construction, accommodations, food services, repair, education and health services all saw job declines.
Around 1.8 million Kentuckians were working in July, but 203,000 remained out of work. Officials say people who have not looked for a job in the last four weeks are no longer counted in the labor force.