Governor Hutchinson Issues Statement on July Unemployment Rate

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson released the following statement on the decline in the unemployment rate for July.

“Our unemployment rate continues to be significantly below the national rate, and the fact that unemployment is now down to 4.3% reflects a growing economy in the state. The job opportunities are abundant with virtually every employer in Arkansas needing more workers. The challenge is the number of Arkansans who have not returned to the labor force after they lost a job early in the pandemic. There is a constant need to increase the number of workers in order to keep our economy vibrant.”

Arkansas Unemployment Rate Stable at 4.4% For 3rd Straight Month, Still Lower Than National Rate

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’s unemployment rate remained at 4.4 percent for the third straight month, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, which the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services released today. Arkansas’s unemployment rate is three and four-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate, which rose from 5.8 percent in May to 5.9 percent in June.

“Our 4.4 percent unemployment rate continues to be significantly below the national rate of 5.9 percent,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “In fact, the national rate has been moving in the wrong direction. While employers are searching for workers to keep their businesses in operation or to expand, the shortage of workers reflects a hesitancy of some to return to the workforce. This hesitancy should diminish in the coming months as federal stimulus money slows, and our workers transition from training into full employment.”

Unemployment Rate, and Job Growth in Manufacturing, Hospitality, and Food Services Encouraging, Governor Says

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’s rate of unemployment in May remained stable at 4.4 percent, unchanged from April, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor. The state’s unemployment rate remained below the national rate, as it has throughout the pandemic, according to the report, which the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services released today.

“The state’s unemployment rate continues to be more than a full percentage point below the national average,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said. “It is also encouraging that the state saw growth in jobs in manufacturing, hospitality, and food services. Our workforce is in a transition now. Some are seeking retraining opportunities and others are delaying their return to employment. With workforce training programs available and with the urgent demand for workers, this is an excellent time for those who left the labor force during the pandemic to transition to a higher-skills job or a better-paying job.”

Stable Unemployment Rate Shows Arkansas 'Steadily Moving in the Right Direction,’ Governor Hutchinson Says

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’s unemployment rate in April remained at 4.4 percent even as the national rate increased one-tenth of a percent to 6.1 percent, according to labor force data the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services issued today. The data was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Our stable unemployment rate assures me that we are steadily moving in the right direction after more than a year of COVID-19,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said today. “Before the pandemic, our economy was strong. We’ve encountered many challenges over the past 15 months, but we have persevered and fought our way back from the 10 percent rate a year ago.

“The highlight of the report is that more Arkansans are finding jobs and returning to the workforce. I am particularly pleased with the employment gains in the hospitality industry, and I am hopeful the next month will show even more Arkansans returning to work.

“The fight is not over, but as we continue to do everything within our power to overcome COVID-19, our perseverance is producing signs of great progress in our economy but more importantly, in a return to our daily life.”

Arkansas’ Jobless Rate Dips to 4.4%, Tourism Sector Continues to Post Most Job Losses

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas had 18,549 fewer employed in March compared to March 2020, with 60% of the job losses coming from the state’s hard hit tourism sector, according to Friday’s (April 16) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The state’s jobless rate in March was 4.4%, down from 4.5% in February and below the 3.8% in March 2020. The number of employed in Arkansas during March was an estimated 1,299,702, down 18,549 jobs compared with March 2020.

The biggest sector losses were in Leisure & Hospitality (11,100 fewer jobs), Government (down 8,600 jobs) and Education and Health Services (down 5,800 jobs). Manufacturing posted the largest year-over-year gains with 1,600 added jobs, and the Construction sector posted a year-over-year job gain of 1,000 jobs. The March numbers are preliminary and subject to revision. The report marked the first full year of COVID-19 impacts on the economy.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/arkansas-jobless-rate-dips-to-4-4-tourism-sector-continues-to-post-most-job-losses/

Governor Hutchinson Issues Statement on Unemployment Rate Declining to 4.4 Percent

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson released the following statement on the March unemployment rate declining to 4.4 percent, which is significantly below the national average.

“The decline in the unemployment rate is another encouraging sign that we are emerging from the pandemic, and Arkansans have increasing opportunities to return to good-paying jobs. We do need to increase the numbers in the workforce, and the pandemic has reduced the number of Arkansans available to work. Hopefully, this is short term because hundreds of employers need workers each day.”