Arkansas unemployment rate drops to 7.1 percent
Arkansas' jobless rate dips to 7.1 percent in February; government sector posts biggest gain
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Officials say Arkansas' unemployment rate dipped to 7.1 percent in February.
Arkansas Department of Workforce Services spokeswoman Becky Heflin says the state's unemployment rate has been steadily dropping since last October. Heflin says employment has increased while the number of unemployed people continues to drop.
Arkansas' rate is down from January's rate of 7.3 percent.
Seven major industry sectors showed gains in February with the government sector posting the highest increase. The Department of Workforce Services says the 5,100 jobs added in the government sector primarily came as public schools and universities returned to full capacity after the holiday break.
Employment in the leisure and hospitality sector rose by 900 jobs.
The biggest drop came in the trade, transportation and utilities sector, which saw a decline of 900 jobs.
