State’s Jobless Rate Rises to 7.4 Percent

Arkansas’ unemployment rate rose to 7.4 percent in July, compared with 7.2 percent in June. The state’s jobless rate was 5 percent in July 2008 The U.S. rate for July fell slightly to 9.4 percent, compared with 9.5 percent in June. The nation’s unemployment rate in July 2008 was 5.8 percent. Arkansas’ civilian labor force decreased 5,200 in July, the state Department of Workforce Services said. “This unemployment rate increase was not unexpected, with nonfarm payroll jobs declining between June and July,” said Kimberly Friedman, communications director for the department. “Arkansas is still feeling the effects of the recession, though we continue to have a jobless rate lower than most other states.”

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