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ST. PAUL (AP) Minnesota labor statistics show the state's unemployment rate inched up a tenth of a point to 4.8 percent in April.

The seasonally adjusted figures show that Minnesota employers cut 10,100 jobs in April.

Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Dan McElroy says April and May can be erratic months for job creation in Minnesota and that hiring can be delayed in construction and other areas because of long winters.

Even so, the number of jobs in Minnesota has grown 0.7 percent since April of 2007. Sectors that gained jobs this April include financial activities and education and health services.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-15-08 1652CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list