LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services says the state's unemployment rate crept up to 7.2 percent in October from 7.1 percent a month earlier.
The agency says Arkansas' civilian labor force dropped by 4,700 in October. Spokeswoman Kimberly Friedman notes that there are 10,300 more employed Arkansans this October than in October 2011.
Nationally, the unemployment rate was 7.9 percent in October.
The agency says five industry sectors posted gains in Arkansas in October, with trade, transportation and utilities leading the way with an increase of 3,500 jobs. Government jobs increased by 3,200 and educational and health services added 1,400.
The agency says construction jobs dropped by 2,100 in October — a decrease attributed to the weather.
