NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's unemployment rate rose slightly in August to 8.5 percent, the fourth consecutive month there has been an increase.

Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis said Thursday that the increase is one-tenth of a percentage point more than the 8.4 percent for the previous month.

The national unemployment rate was 8.1 percent, 0.2 percentage point lower than the July rate.

In Tennessee, total nonfarm employment decreased by 5,100 jobs from July to August. There were also declines in local government, durable goods manufacturing and trade/transportation/utilities.

There were increases in mining/logging/construction, accommodation/food services, and professional/business services.