Jobless Rate Jumps To 7.5% In October

Arkansas’ unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percent to 7.5% in October.

The U.S. jobless rate also climbed higher by the same percentage to 7.3%. One year ago, the state’s jobless rate stood at 7.2%.

“Arkansas’ unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point in October, as the civilian labor force declined slightly. The rate increase mirrors the trend at the national level,” said Arkansas Department of Workforce Services Program Operations Manager Bernadette Coleman.

The state’s civilian labor force stood at 1,321,500 in October with 1,221,700 employed and 99,800 unemployed. A year ago, the civilian labor force boasted 1,348,700 with 1,251,300 working and 97,400 unemployed.

In the complimentary monthly survey of employers, transportation/trade/utilities led the way with 253,900 estimated workers. That number is up 7,600 from one year ago.

Other sector gainer and decliners include:

Mining/Logging +200
Construction +200
Manufacturing -200
Information -200
Financial +1,000
Professional/Business +1,500
Education/Health +3,300
Leisure/Hospitality -800
Other -1,800
Government -1,000

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