LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Unemployment in Arkansas rose one-tenth of a percent in November to five-point-two percent, mirroring an increase in the national rate. Kimberly Friedman, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, says temporary shut-downs in the manufacturing industry contributed to the increased unemployment rate.
The manufacturing industry lost 2-thousand-200 jobs for the month, leaving 192-thousand-600 jobs in the sector. Most of the drop came from the electrical equipment segment. Over the 12-month period, the state has lost 6-thousand-700 manufacturing jobs. But trade, transportation, and utilities added 2-thousand-400 positions in November to reach a record employment level of 252-thousand-700.
Officials say additional hiring at retail stores in anticipation of the start of the holiday shopping season contributed to the record total. Overall, total employment in Arkansas declined by 500 jobs in November. The number of unemployed Arkansans increased by 2-thousand-100 people to 72-thousand-700.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.
Technology stories from the Associated Press.
Technology stories from the Associated Press.
Get the latest news on national politics.
Get the latest news on national politics.
The annual Northeast Arkansas Home Builders Association Home and Garden show was held on Saturday and Sunday.
The annual Northeast Arkansas Home Builders Association Home and Garden show was held on Saturday and Sunday.
Hundreds traveled to Jonesboro to support the Craighead County Sheriff's Department's DARE program.
Hundreds traveled to Jonesboro to support the Craighead County Sheriff's Department's DARE program.
According to Arkansas State Police, authorities are working an accident on Highway 18 in the Bowman community.
According to Arkansas State Police, authorities are working an accident on Highway 18 in the Bowman community.
People who ate at a Corning Flash Market/Subway may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.
People who ate at a Corning Flash Market/Subway may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.
Walmart had more to offer than just low-cost items Saturday.
Walmart had more to offer than just low-cost items Saturday.
A list of notable people who have passed away so far in 2018.
A list of notable people who have passed away so far in 2018.
Nearly 40 incumbents in Congress are not seeking re-election to Congress and are retiring from public office.
Nearly 40 incumbents in Congress are not seeking re-election to Congress and are not seeking election to the Senate or to become governors.
The U.S., France and Britain launched airstrikes against Syria in response to the Assad's regime chemical attack on its citizens.
The U.S., France and Britain launched airstrikes against Syria in response to the Assad's regime chemical attack on its citizens.
The Best Places to Live rankings are based on affordability, job prospects and quality of life.
The Best Places to Live rankings are based on affordability, job prospects and quality of life.
As a result of the "Me Too" movement, a number of high-profile men have been accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Allegations have led to resignations in Congress - and may have made a difference in a key Senate race.
As a result of the "Me Too" movement, a number of high-profile men have been accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Allegations have led to resignations in Congress - and may have made a difference in a key Senate race.
MLB opening day 2018 is here, featuring the first full slate of opening games in 50 years. March 29 is the earliest season starting date in the league's history. The previous earliest date was set back in 2003 on March 30, according to MLB.com.
MLB opening day 2018 is here, featuring the first full slate of opening games in 50 years. March 29 is the earliest season starting date in the league's history. The previous earliest date was set back in 2003 on March 30, according to MLB.com.
The floating mass of garbage known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is now bigger than Alaska – twice the size of Texas.
The floating mass of garbage known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is now bigger than Alaska – twice the size of Texas.
Thirty-two teams will punch their tickets as an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Thirty-two teams will punch their tickets as an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Bid the Winter Olympics a fond farewell with the U.S. athletes and their 23 medals.
Bid the Winter Olympics a fond farewell with the U.S. athletes and their 23 medals.