BOSTON (WPRI) — Massachusetts saw increases in both its unemployment rate and number of jobs added last month, according to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD). The EOLWD said estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed Massachusetts' unemployment rate in August was 3.7%, an increase of 0.2% from July. The commonwealth's rate came in lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.2% and neighboring Rhode Island's, which was 4.6% last month. MORE: RI unemployment rate, job numbers increase slightly Roughly 1,300 jobs were added in Massachusetts in August, an improvement over July, when 4,100 jobs were lost. It's also a growth of around 40,000 from August 2023. The EOLWD also highlighted that labor force participation was at 66.3% — the most since January 2020. NEXT: Lifespan lays off 20% of executives as CEO seeks to streamline operations Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW