Mass. Unemployment Up To 7.4 Percent In January

Unemployment in Massachusetts rose to 7.4 percent in January, the state's highest level since June 1993.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce reported Thursday the state shed 4,900 jobs, mostly in the professional, scientific and business services sectors.

Still, four work sectors added jobs. Leisure and hospitality categories had the largest increase with 2,300.

The unemployment rate jumped a full percentage point from 6.4 percent in December, which was revised from a preliminary estimate of 6.9 percent. Officials also increased estimates of December's job loss numbers from 16,800 to 26,100.

Massachusetts's unemployment rate is still below the national rate, which rose from 7.2 percent in December to 7.6 percent in January.