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| Thu, Nov. 20, 2008 |  |
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State unemployment rates falls to 5 percent Saturday, Jul 19, 2008 Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas' unemployment rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point in June to 5 percent, labor statistics released Friday showed. The national unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.5 percent. The state's civilian labor force declined 9,500, with fewer employed and unemployed Arkansans. Between May and June, the number of employed in the state fell 7,400, and the number of unemployed dropped 2,100. Since June 2007, there are 13,200 more employed Arkansas residents and non-farm payroll jobs are up. "This year-to-year comparison provides a better measure of economic trend," said Department of Workforce Services spokeswoman Kimberly Friedman. "Although the job pace is slowing, movement is in a positive direction." Government jobs fell the most since May, down by 6,000 positions as educational facilities reduced staff for the summer. Educational and health services employment fell by 1,000 jobs because of the same seasonal pattern. Leisure and hospitality jobs added the most jobs, at 1,600 positions. Professional and business services added 1,000 jobs. For the year, educational and health services had the most job growth, adding 2,700 positions. All of the job development occurred in health care and social assistance. Industries that provide services for the elderly are growing within this sector, the department reported. Professional and business services advanced by 2,500 jobs, while jobs in leisure and hospitality increased by 1,700. Government jobs rose by 1,600 positions over the past year. All developments occurred in state and local government, attributed mainly to the increased need for more educational institutions, the department said. |
