State unemployment rate remains flat at 6.5%

Arkansas’ unemployment rate was 6.5% in April, unchanged from the March rate, according to a report released Friday (May 22) by the Department of Workforce Services.

The U.S. unemployment rate increased four-tenths of a percentage point to 8.9%.

The civilian labor force in Arkansas declined 8,600 compared to April 2008, with 31,000 fewer employed in the state compared to April 2008.

“After experiencing a steady unemployment rate increase during the latter half of 2008, Arkansas’ rate has remained fairly stable in 2009.  This is the second time our rate has remained unchanged this year, “ DWS Communications Director Kimberly Friedman said in a statement.

Unemployment data for the Fort Smith metropolitan statistical area will be released June 3. The preliminary March unemployment rate for the Fort Smith region decreased to 7.3% from a revised February rate of 7.7%. The preliminary February rate was reported at 7.3% but revised up to 7.7% with the March update released April 29.

Yearly job figures (April 2008 – April 2009)

• Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs declined 25,600 since April 2008.

• Manufacturing continued to experience the effects of layoffs and closures, with 17,300 jobs lost in the 12-month period.

• Trade, transportation, and utilities decreased 12,900.

• Construction employment declined 3,100, attributed mostly to the downturn in the housing market.

• Financial activities lost 3,000 jobs, mostly related to the economy. Finance and insurance posted the largest drop, with a decline of 2,200 jobs.

• Educational and health services enjoyed the largest increase (+6,100).  Due in large part to home health care, the health care and social assistance subsector added 5,000 jobs.