(LANSING) – Michigan's jobless rate remained at 4.2 percent for the month of September.

According to information released by the Michigan Department Of Technology, Management and Budget, total employment was flat while unemployment edged down by 3,000 over the month. The State's workforce declined slightly in September.

Decreases were seen in September in manufacturing (-4,000), professional & business services (-3,000) and in government sectors (-3,000). Increases were detected in trade, transportation & utilities (+3,000) along with leisure & hospitality services (+2,000).

The September state jobless rate was seven-tenths of a percentage point above the national rate.

Jason Palmer, Director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives says the State's labor market showed typical seasonal trends in September. With the start of the academic year, Palmer says some youth and young adults tend to exit the labor market as seasonal and tourism-related jobs decline.