Labor force data, produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and released today by the Department of Workforce Services, show Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point from 7.7 percent in April to 7.8 percent in May. Arkansas’ civilian labor force declined 3,600, a result of 1,200 more unemployed and 4,800 fewer employed Arkansans. At 9.1 percent, the United States’ jobless rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point.

DWS Communications Director Kimberly Friedman said, "Arkansas’ unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point in May, as the civilian labor force declined slightly.