Arkansas’ unemployment rate increases to 7.8 Percent | Business
Labor force data, produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and released today by the Department of Workforce Services, show Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point from 7.7 percent in April to 7.8 percent in May. Arkansas’ civilian labor force declined 3,600, a result of 1,200 more unemployed and 4,800 fewer employed Arkansans. At 9.1 percent, the United States’ jobless rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point.
DWS Communications Director Kimberly Friedman said, "Arkansas’ unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point in May, as the civilian labor force declined slightly. This rate increase mirrors the trend seen at the national level."
ARKANSAS CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE SUMMARY
(Seasonally Adjusted) May
2011
April
2011
May
2010
Change From
April
2011
Change From
May
2010
Civilian Labor Force
1,364,400
1,368,000
1,350,800
-3,600
13,600
Employment
1,257,500
1,262,300
1,245,200
-4,800
12,300
Unemployment
106,900
105,700
105,600
1,200
1,300
Unemployment Rate
7.8
7.7
7.8
0.1
0.0
U.S. Unemployment Rate
9.1
9.0
9.6
0.1
-0.5
