Arkansas' Jobless Rate Drops for First Time in Months
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: November 24, 2011
For the first time in seven months, Arkansas' jobless rate has registered a decline rather than an uptick.
The Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary from the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) shows the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point, from 8.3 percent in September to 8.2 percent in October.
Arkansas' civilian labor force rose 6,900, a result of 7,500 more employed and 600 fewer unemployed Arkansans. The United States' jobless rate also declined one-tenth of a percentage point, down to 9.0 percent in October.
"This is the first time Arkansas' unemployment rate has declined since March 2011. The drop in the rate relates to a gain of 7,500 employed, which is the largest monthly employment increase of the year," said DWS Communications Director Kimberly Friedman.
Since October 2010, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas decreased 1,200. Two major industry sectors posted job losses, more than offsetting the growth seen in six industries. Three sectors remained the same. Jobs in manufacturing decreased 6,400. Most of the drop occurred in nondurable goods manufacturing (-4,000), related to multiple layoffs and business closures. Trade, transportation, and utilities posted a decline of 2,900 jobs. A majority of the drop occurred in retail trade (-3,200), partially offset by gains in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+1,000). Government enjoyed the largest annual growth (+4,000), mostly at the local level. Jobs in educational and health services rose 1,900. A majority of the increase occurred in heath care and social assistance (+1,500). Financial activities added 1,200 jobs, related to expansions in finance and insurance.
The Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary from the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) shows the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point, from 8.3 percent in September to 8.2 percent in October.
Arkansas' civilian labor force rose 6,900, a result of 7,500 more employed and 600 fewer unemployed Arkansans. The United States' jobless rate also declined one-tenth of a percentage point, down to 9.0 percent in October.
"This is the first time Arkansas' unemployment rate has declined since March 2011. The drop in the rate relates to a gain of 7,500 employed, which is the largest monthly employment increase of the year," said DWS Communications Director Kimberly Friedman.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
Arkansas' nonfarm payroll employment rose 3,000 in October to total 1,180,500. Four major industry sectors added jobs, more than offsetting declines in six major sectors. One sector remained the same. Government posted the largest increase (+3,800). Most of the gains occurred in local government (+2,500), which continues to reflect seasonal public school employment. Educational and health services added 2,100 jobs. The increase was mostly related to jobs in private education. Employment in professional and business services rose 1,200. Hiring was spread throughout all three subsectors. Jobs in construction declined 1,400, as many businesses finished seasonal projects. Trade, transportation, and utilities experienced a decrease of 1,400 jobs, mostly in transportation-warehousing-utilities. This industry includes all types of transport, including air, rail, water, truck, and passenger transportation.Since October 2010, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas decreased 1,200. Two major industry sectors posted job losses, more than offsetting the growth seen in six industries. Three sectors remained the same. Jobs in manufacturing decreased 6,400. Most of the drop occurred in nondurable goods manufacturing (-4,000), related to multiple layoffs and business closures. Trade, transportation, and utilities posted a decline of 2,900 jobs. A majority of the drop occurred in retail trade (-3,200), partially offset by gains in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+1,000). Government enjoyed the largest annual growth (+4,000), mostly at the local level. Jobs in educational and health services rose 1,900. A majority of the increase occurred in heath care and social assistance (+1,500). Financial activities added 1,200 jobs, related to expansions in finance and insurance.
