Arkansas' unemployment rate in May rose to 7.3 percent, up one-tenth of a percentage point from the month before, the state Department of Workforce Services said Friday.

April's rate, at 7.2 percent, has been revised upward from 7.1 percent, the department said.

The state's civilian labor force in May rose by 2,400 workers, as 1,800 more found themselves out of work and 600 more found jobs.

"Although the unemployment rate increased, employment rose 600 this month, marking the second month of employment gains,” Workforce Services spokesman Kimberly Friedman said.

Friedman noted that Arkansas' unemployment increase mirrored the national trend, as the U.S. joblessness rate also rose one-tenth of a percentage point, to 7.6 percent, in May.

Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.