RI jobless rate up to 8.9 percent after revision
RI labor dept. reports tick up in jobless rate to 8.9 percent in July; 900 jobs shed
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island's unemployment rate ticked up in July to 8.9 percent after state labor officials revised the June rate downward.
The Department of Labor and Training said Thursday the rate was up one-tenth of 1 point, from 8.8 percent. Officials had initially reported the June rate as 8.9 percent.
The size of the labor force was down 2,500, to 555,900. That's a decline of 4,600 from a year ago. The number of employed residents also dropped 2,400, to 506,600. But that's 8,300 more than a year ago.
The state also shed 900 jobs over the month, from the revised June estimate. The professional and business services sector lost 1,300 positions.
The U.S. jobless rate in July was 7.4 percent.
Rhode Island's unemployment rate was 10.5 percent a year ago.
