Ohio unemployment rate higher in January

COLUMBUS (AP) - The latest monthly jobs data shows that Ohio's unemployment rate rose in January.

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services says the state's seasonably adjusted unemployment rate for January was 7 percent — up from 6.7 in December.

The slip reversed a trend of incremental progress in lowering the rate over a number of months. The state has said Ohio's economy and its job market are getting stronger, but the process is slow.

Ohio's unemployment rate has remained about a percentage point below the national rate.