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January unemployment up in Pa., N.J.

Pennsylvania's unemployment rate rose in January to 4.8 percent - still below the national rate of 4.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.

Pennsylvania's unemployment rate rose in January to 4.8 percent - still below the national rate of 4.9 percent, seasonally adjusted.

The national unemployment rate, however, fell slightly from December, but Pennsylvania's grew from 4.4 percent in December and 4.3 percent in January 2007, the state reported.

New Jersey's January unemployment rate of 4.5 percent also increased compared to 4.2 percent in December and 4.3 percent in January 2007, New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce said.

Pennsylvania's nonfarm jobs rose by 3,100, bringing total jobs to 5,811,400. In a year, Pennsylvania added 23,400 jobs. Strongest growth came in jobs in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, construction and professional and business services.

New Jersey lost 9,500 jobs between December and January, bringing the total for the state to 4,073,100. That's up slightly over a year ago, when jobs numbered 4,071,900. In New Jersey, the biggest losses were in the business and professional services sector and in trade transportation and utilities.