Fewer Minnesota Jobs Cut in April

Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped by one-tenth of a percentage point in April as employers cut half as many jobs as March.

The unemployment rate was 8.1 percent, compared with 8.2 percent in March. 9,500 jobs were cut during April.

The state's unemployment rate is lower than the national rate of 8.9 percent in April.

Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Dan McElroy says the latest figures are encouraging but can't be interpreted as a turning point in the recession.