The Virginia Employment Commission announced that the Commonwealth gained more than 104,000 jobs, an increase of 2.6% . The private sector recorded a gain of 82,100 jobs, while employment in the public sector increased by 22,200 jobs. Virginia’s The labor force participation rate increased to 63.7% percent in December. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.