Arkansas Unemployment Climbs Higher In January

The Arkansas unemployment rate in January rose one-tenth of a percent from December to 7.2% in January as more workers exited the labor force.

During the month, Arkansas’ civilian labor force decreased 3,300 – a result of 4,100 fewer employed and 800 more unemployed Arkansans. There were 1,248,000 Arkansans employed in January, while unemployment topped 96,500.

One year ago, unemployment in Arkansas was an estimated 7.4%.

The U.S. jobless rate also increased one-tenth of a percentage point, reaching 7.9% in January.

Arkansas Department of Workforce Services Communications Director Kimberly Friedman said, “Arkansas’ unemployment rate rose slightly in January, related in large part to the decline in employment. The rate increase was not unexpected and mirrors the trend seen at the national level.”

GAINERS & DECLINERS
In the separate monthly survey of employers, all 11 industry sectors showed declines between December and January, with government services falling the most by 6,100.

In a year-over-year comparison, the biggest gainers included:

Trade/Transportation/Utilities +8,300
Education/Health +2,400
Leisure/Hospitality +1,300

The biggest decliners were:

Construction -2,700
Professional/Business -1,900
Mining/Logging -1,600

You can access the full monthly report here.