The latest monthly jobs data shows Ohio's unemployment rate rose slightly in January and in West Virginia, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged.

Nationally, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 7.9 percent in January.

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services said Friday that the state's seasonably-adjusted unemployment rate for January was 7 percent -- up from 6.7 in December.

The slip reversed a trend of incremental progress in lowering the rate over a number of months. The state has said Ohio's economy and its job market are getting stronger, but the process is slow.

Ohio's unemployment rate has remained about a percentage point below the U.S. rate.

In West Virginia, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged in January at 7.4 percent.

West Virginia's unadjusted unemployment rate rose a full percentage point in January to 8.3 percent.

WorkForce West Virginia said Tuesday that the number of unemployed state residents increased by 100 to 60,300.

The goods-producing sector saw an employment gain of 1,500, while the service-providing sector lost 600 jobs.

Within the goods-producing sector, job gains included 1,100 in logging and mining, and 400 in construction.

Within the service-providing sector, job gains of 800 in leisure and hospitality and 600 in financial activities were offset by declines of 1,000 in government and 800 in educational and health services.