Missouri employment drops after reaching all-time high

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's employment has dropped after reaching an all-time high.

The state Department of Economic Development on Wednesday said nonfarm payroll employment decreased by about 5,900 jobs in May.

Employment in the state reached a record high when it hit more than 2.8 million in April, when the state gained 15,000 jobs.

Unemployment held at 4.3 percent from April to May.

The agency said Missouri's monthly unemployment rate has stayed below the national rate for two years.