Despite years of decline, Virginia’s labor force may be rebounding. From September to October, approximately 27,000 Virginians entered the workforce, marking the biggest monthly increase since 1976. The cause of the previous years of decline is widely debated; however, the jump in unemployment signifies that more citizens are entering the workforce, which is seen as a positive sign. Additionally, Virginia has led the country in job creation, which could have contributed to the rebound.
See "Virginia’s labor force showing new signs of life", Aaron Gregg, The Washington Post, November 28, 2016