New figures are in on the number of unemployed Arkansans and the news is not good.

After holding steady at 7.1-percent in September, the unemployment rate for October registered a .5-percent jump to 7.6-percent.

Arkansas’ civilian labor force gained 2,900 in October, with 7,000 more unemployed and 4,100 fewer employed Arkansans. 

The total number of Arkansans without jobs is 103,900. That number is very near the highest unemployment figures ever reached in the Natural State with 105,300 in February 1983.

Nationally, the numbers have also edged higher. The United States’ jobless rate rose four-tenths of a percentage point, from 9.8-percent in September to 10.2-percent in October.

DWS Communications Director Kimberly Friedman said, “The increase in Arkansas’ unemployment rate mirrors the change seen on the national level. The recession is still having affects here in Arkansas, as we continue to see layoffs and closures around the state. The last time Arkansas’ unemployment rate reached 7.6 percent was in September 1988.  Our rate is still significantly lower than the record-high jobless rate of 10.2 percent that occurred in 1983.”

Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs increased 2,400 in October to total 1,184,800.  Three major industry sectors added jobs, offsetting declines in six sectors, and two sectors remained the same.

Government posted the largest gain (+2,800). Most of the growth occurred in local government, as public schools reached anticipated employment for the school year.

Professional and business services increased 2,700.  Administrative and support services enjoyed a majority of the growth. Employment services and business support services increased.

The largest job loss occurred in trade, transportation and utilities (-1,600).  Transportation, warehousing and utilities experienced a seasonal decline.

Since October 2008, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas have decreased 28,700.  Employment dropped in eight major industry sectors, while three posted growth.

Manufacturing lost 18,500 jobs.  The greatest loss occurred in durable goods manufacturing, which accounted for more than three-fourths of the decline.

Employment in trade, transportation and utilities fell 14,100.  While all subsectors decreased due to economic conditions, transportation-warehousing-utilities and retail trade were affected the most.

Construction experienced a loss of 5,200 jobs.  The majority of the decline was attributed to the condition of the housing and commercial construction markets.

Educational and health services posted growth, adding 9,800 jobs.  Roughly 80 percent of the gain occurred in health care and social assistance.

Employment in government rose 5,100.  A majority of the new positions were added in local government, particularly in public school districts.

Click here to visit the State Jobs website.