The state’s unemployment rate remained at 3.7% for the 13th consecutive month during August, reflecting a stagnant market for both job seekers and employers.

The N.C. Commerce Department reported on Friday an overall 2,536 decrease in the state's labor force from July, representing a net loss of 2,394 job positions and a 142-person decline in those listed as newly unemployed and looking for work.

People not actively looking for work are not counted toward the unemployment rate.

Year-over-year, the state’s labor force has declined by 2,446. That represents a loss of 3,168 individuals listed as employed and an increase of 722 of those considered unemployed and looking for work.

The monthly employer survey showed a net gain of 4,800 private sector jobs from July and a loss of 200 governme

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