The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the unemployment rate moved up to 6.1% in May from 6% in April. Revised data going back to the beginning of each series is at www.bls.gov/ces/home.htm
BLS Commissioner Kathleen Utgoff commented, "Construction employment increased for the third month in a row, with a gain of 26,000 in May. Job losses in the industry totaled 160,000 from March 2001 to February 2003. Since February, construction has gained 83,000 jobs, as strength in residential housing spurred growth in specialty trade contractors and construction of buildings."