Mass. Loses 1,600 Jobs; Unemployment Rate Down To 6 Percent

The Massachusetts unemployment rate dropped in April, but the state is also reporting a net loss of jobs during the month.

The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development said Thursday the unemployment rate fell to 6 percent from 6.3 percent in March. The Massachusetts jobless rate has dropped from 6.8 percent in January.

The national unemployment rate is currently 6.3 percent.

Preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics Thursday show the state lost 3,000 private sector jobs in April, and 1,600 jobs overall.

The leisure and hospitality sector fared worst, shedding 4,300 jobs last month.

The trade, transportation and utilities sector did best, adding 3,400 jobs.

The bureau also released revised estimates showing the state gained 9,200 jobs in March, up from the earlier estimate of 8,100 jobs gained during the month.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom