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Arkansas Jobless Rate Down to 5.5 Percent

1 min read

The state’s unemployment rate fell to 5.5 percent in February, down a tenth of a percentage point from January, according to data released Friday by the state Department of Workforce Services.

The national unemployment rate for January was 5.5 percent, down from 5.7.

According to DWS, the state’s civilian labor force rose by 4,900 from January to February, a result of 5,800 more employed and 900 fewer unemployed Arkansans.

“Arkansas added 5,800 employed this month, a gain of 42,900 since February 2014,” said DWS Communications Director Becky Heflin in a statement. “Employment has steadily increased each month since December 2013.”

The Arkansas unemployment rate for February 2014 was 6.5 percent. The national rate was 6.7 percent this time a year ago.

In February, the biggest industry gainers were government with 5,200 new jobs attributed to public schools re-opening after winter break; leisure and hospitality at 3,500; and professional and business services, 2,900.

Since February 2014, eight major industry sectors posted growth, led by:

  • Leisure and hospitality added 8,400 jobs, largely in food services, which added 7,000;
  • Trade, transportation and utilities increased by 7,200;
  • Professional and business services rose by 4,200;
  • Construction rose by 3,800;
  • Education and health services, up 3,300.

See the full report at Discover.Arkansas.gov.

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