Topeka ? The June unemployment rate in Kansas was 6.5 percent, an increase from 6.4 percent in May but down from 7.2 percent in June 2009, officials reported today.

Gov. Mark Parkinson noted that while the state lost 3,400 jobs overall from May to June, growth in the private sector increased by 9,900 jobs over the month.

“We’ve now seen private job growth over the past five months, demonstrating that economic recovery in Kansas is well under way,” Parkinson said.

“Two sectors, construction and trade, transportation and utilities showed the most improvement, with the trade, transportation and utilities sector experiencing its first over-the-year job gains since July 2008,” said Labor Department economist Tyler Tenbrink. “It is encouraging to see these sectors grow and we will continue to watch all sectors in the coming months.”

Most of the job losses were in government, which is expected this time of year, according to the Kansas Department of Labor.

There were 15,551 initial claims for unemployment benefits in June, down from 20,200 initial claims in May and down from 30,072 in June 2009. There were 263,123 continued claims in June, down from 264,799 in May 2010 and down from 304,889 in June 2009.

The unemployment rate in Douglas County was 5.8 percent in June, up from 5.7 percent in May but down from 6.4 percent in June 2009.