NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's August unemployment rate of 9.7 percent decreased slightly from the previous month.

July's rate was 9.8 percent. The national unemployment rate for August was 9.1 percent, unchanged from July.

State Labor Commissioner Karla Davis says there's a "balance of seasonal hires and layoffs" each year from July to August. She says jobs related to education have started back and temporary hires for the summer are ending.

According to a survey of businesses, monthly employment increases came in local government, up 13,600 jobs; administrative, support and waste services, up 6,300; and educational and health services, up 2,200.

From July to August, nondurable goods manufacturing decreased by 2,100 jobs; and trade, transportation and utilities was down 2,100.