Figures released by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services show a June unemployment rate of 11.3 percent for Pine Bluff, an increase from May’s 10.8 percent number and April’s 10.2 percent.
The Jefferson County June jobless number moved up slightly to 9.6 percent from May’s 9.5 percent rate, which was an increase over the 8.9 percent April finding.
The Arkansas June unemployment rate ticked down slightly to 7.2 percent from May’s 7.3 percent reading and even with April’s 7.2 percent number.
The United States June unemployment rate of 8.2 percent remained unchanged from May but up slightly from the April reading of 8.1 percent.
The city with the lowest unemployment rate in the state for the month of June was again Sherwood with 5.0 percent.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Sherwood had the lowest May and April rates at 5.3 percent and 4.7 percent respectively.
West Memphis again had the highest unemployment rate in the state in June with a 13.1 percent reading.
West Memphis led the state in unemployment in May with 12.6 percent out of work and in April with 13.0 percent jobless.
“The decrease in the number of unemployed Arkansans offset the decline in employment causing Arkansas’ unemployment rate to drop,” ADWS communications director Kimberly Friedman said in a press release. “There are 33,100 more employed Arkansans than in June 2011.”
The state labor force data showed that the civilian labor force in Arkansas decreased by 4,200, a result of 2,300 fewer employed and 1,900 fewer unemployed Arkansans.
Chamber view
Chris Hart, board chair of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, views the unemployment picture in the area as one of staying the course.
“For the most part we’re still treading water here in Pine Bluff,” Hart said. “To still be in the game and fighting the fight after five years of less than prosperity, we’ll take it.”
“Minor variations in the unemployment number from month to month can be statistical anomalies,” Hart said. “We’re continuing to hold our own in what continues to be a very tough economy.”