LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ unemployment rate rose slightly in May, snapping a trend that had seen the state jobless rate fall since January, according to labor statistics released Friday.
The rate increased from 7.2 percent in April to 7.3 percent in May, nine-tenths of a percentage point below the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, which was up from 8.1 percent in April.
“The unemployment rate in Arkansas rose one-tenth of a percentage point in May, mirroring the trend seen at the national level,” said Kimberly Friedman, spokeswoman for the state Department of Workforce Services. “While the number of unemployed increased slightly, there are still 9,500 fewer unemployed and 33,200 more employed Arkansans than in May 2011.”
The state’s unemployment rate in May 2011 was 8.1 percent. The national rate then was 9 percent.
DWS reported that 1.29 million people were employed in Arkansas last month and 101,000 were out of work. The total civilian labor force in the state grew by 200 in May.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Despite the slight rise in unemployment, the total number of jobs in the state rose by 4,100 in May. Eight major industry sectors reported gains, more than offsetting minor declines in three sectors.
Manufacturing saw the largest increase in May with 1,800 jobs added. Durable goods accounted for 1,300 new jobs, attributed to hiring in the manufacture of transportation equipment, fabricated metal products and miscellaneous products.
Employment in professional and business services rose in May by 1,000 jobs, attributed to gains in landscaping services and at employment agencies.
Construction added 500 jobs in May, which DWS said was a typical weather-related expansion.
Jobs in leisure and hospitality rose by 500 in May, with seasonal hiring in arts, entertainment and recreation more than offsetting a decline in food services.
Job declines in May occurred in trade, transportation and utilities, with 500 jobs lost; educational and health services, with 200 jobs lost; and other services, with 100 jobs lost.
Since May 2011, total jobs in the state rose by 6,200. Five major industry sectors reported gains and six reported declines over the past 12 months.
Leisure and hospitality added 4,900 jobs since May 2011, with most of the growth occurring in food services.
Educational and health services added 4,500 jobs over the past 12 months, with most of the growth reported in health care and social assistance.
Jobs in government rose by 3,700 since May 2011, attributed mostly to hiring at public schools.
Manufacturing decreased by 2,900 jobs since May 2011, related to continued layoffs and closures.
Employment in business and professional services declined by 1,800 over the past year, with a majority of the losses occurring in administrative and support services, which includes employment agencies and services to buildings and dwellings.