No Change in Arkansas’ Unemployment Rate at 7.8-percent

Unemployment numbers in Arkansas continue to show no change from the beginning of the year.

The jobless rate for March is 7.8-percent, as it's been each month since January.

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (DWS) says the state's civilian labor force increased 4,500, a result of 4,400 more employed and 100 additional unemployed Arkansans. At 8.8-percent, the United States’ jobless rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point in March.

DWS Communications Director Kimberly Friedman said, “Arkansas’ unemployment rate has remained stable at 7.8-percent since January 2011. Employment continues to steadily grow each month, with 19,100 more employed than in March 2010.”

Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas rose 11,900 in March to total 1,171,400. Seven major industry sectors added jobs, while three posted decreases and one remained the same. The largest increase occurred in leisure and hospitality (+4,100), related in large part to seasonal gains in accommodation and food services (+3,400). Jobs in construction rose 3,700, with specialty trade contractors accounting for a majority of the growth. Trade, transportation, and utilities added 2,700 jobs, attributed mostly to the seasonal increase in retail trade (+2,400). Government posted moderate gains (+1,000), as many state and local entities began hiring seasonal workers.

Since March 2010, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas increased 17,400. Eight major industry sectors enjoyed employment growth, with five sectors adding 2,500 or more jobs, each. Three sectors posted decreases. Leisure and hospitality posted the largest annual increase (+5,300), with food services adding 4,000 jobs. Employment in professional and business services rose 5,200, attributed mostly to expansions in administrative and support services (+4,800). Trade, transportation, and utilities experienced a gain of 4,100 jobs. The growth occurred in retail trade (+2,000) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+2,100).