Job gains in the professional services and retail sectors led the way as statewide unemployment dropped a full percentage point in October, falling to 6.2%.
The state Department of Workforce Services announced Friday that nonfarm payroll employment increased 11,500 in the month, helped by a 4,000 job gain in professional and business services and another 3,900 jobs added in retail as businesses gear up for Christmas shopping.
Unemployment fell from the 7.2% recorded in September and remains below the national jobless rate of 6.9%. The state’s civilian labor force declined 12,370, a result of 14,117 fewer unemployed and 1,747 more employed Arkansans.
Read Saturday's Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.