THE JOBLESS rate in Orange County increased to 4.6 percent, up from 4.4 percent, according to the EDD.

Unemployment for Orange County ticked up slightly in July, an increase blamed on summer recess in government and education. According to the state Employment Development Department report issued Friday, joblessness went to 4.6 percent from 4.4 percent in June.

Unemployment in California is at 5.9 percent and 5.1 percent nationally. The year-ago figure for Orange County is 4.8 percent.

The EDD reports that employment in OC declined by 10,000 jobs from June 2016 to July 2016. The decline was attributed to positions in local government of 9,300 jobs. State government jobs dropped by 9,300 in July, and federal employment by 100.

There was also by decrease of 1000 jobs in educational and health services, although the education segment was down 1,700 but the health care and social services segment up by 700 jobs.

Leisure and hospitality were up by 3,500 jobs, with 90 percent of that coming in arts, entertainment the recreation. Accommodation and food services were up by 200 jobs.

From July 2015 to July 2016, total non-farm employment in Orange County is up by 40,900 jobs, or 2.7 percent.