County loses 20,500 jobs in January

San Diego County lost 20,500 jobs in January, as the unemployment rate rose to 3.6 percent from 3.3 percent in December. However, the January rate compares with 4.6 percent for California and 4.5 percent for the nation.

Retail trade lost 4,200 jobs — a seasonal decline. Food services and drinking places lost 4,500 jobs, according to the California Employment Development Department.

Between January 2017 and January 2018, the county gained 26,400 jobs.