LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- State officials say Arkansas' unemployment rate dropped by two-tenths of a percentage point to 7.2 percent in April.
Department of Workforce Services spokeswoman Kimberly Friedman says it's the ninth straight month there's been an increase in the number of employed Arkansans.
The agency says eight major industry sectors posted job gains in April, with the biggest expansion coming in leisure and hospitality jobs. That sector added 3,700 jobs — most of them seasonal food services positions. Education and health services gained 1,100 jobs, while employment in trade, transportation and utilities added 600 jobs.
The national unemployment rate was 8.1 percent in April.
