INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Job growth the first quarter of the year expanded across the inland region.

The State Employment Development Department reported Friday that 4,700 more people went to work during March. That lowered the Inland Empire’s jobless rate to 6.5% which is the lowest since December 2007.

February’s rate was adjusted slightly upward to 6.8%

Government employment led all major industries in growth by adding 2,600 jobs. Almost all of the jobs added to this sector were found in local government education.

Professional and business services rose by 1,700 jobs during March.

Manufacturing suffered the largest monthly decline in employment, losing 600 jobs.

During the past 12 months, the Inland Empire’s job growth soared by 4.2 percent, according to the EDD.

Story Date: April 20, 2015