Arkansas Unemployment Rises in October

Arkansas's unemployment rate is on the rise again.

It increased by one-tenth of a percentage point from 7.1-percent in September to 7.2-percent in October.

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services says labor force data, produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the state's civilian labor force declined by 4,700 in October.

The United States' jobless rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point from 7.8-percent in September to 7.9-percent in October.

"Arkansas' unemployment rate rose slightly this month, as employment declined 4,700. There are still 10,300 more employed and 11,000 fewer unemployed Arkansans than in October 2011," said DWS Communications Director Kimberly Friedman.


Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:

Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas increased 4,200 in October to total 1,178,400. Five industry sectors posted gains, more than offsetting the declines in five sectors. One industry sector remained the same. Trade, transportation, and utilities added 3,500 jobs. A majority of the growth occurred in retail trade (+2,500), as building material-garden supplies dealers and clothing stores reported increased employment. Jobs in government rose 3,200. Local government (+2,300) posted most of the gain, a result of continued public school hiring. Educational and health services added 1,400 jobs. Health care and social assistance posted a majority of the increase (+1,000), attributed largely to reported expansions at hospitals and in ambulatory health care services. Jobs in construction dropped 2,100, a typical weather-related decline.

Arkansas' nonfarm payroll employment increased 13,500 since October 2011. Six major industry sectors posted growth, while four sectors decreased and one remained the same. Leisure and hospitality reported the greatest increase (+5,500). A majority of the gain occurred in food services (+4,200). Trade, transportation, and utilities added 5,200 jobs. Gains were seen in all three sub-sectors. Jobs in educational and health services rose 4,900. Health care and social assistance posted most of the growth, attributed in part to on-going hospital expansions. Government added 1,900 jobs. Increases in local government (+1,900) were mostly related to public school employment. Jobs in construction declined 3,900. Losses continue to be reported in building equipment contracting.