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Arkansas Unemployment Rate Drops To 5.4 Percent

Arkansas' unemployment rate is continuing to decrease.

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services said Friday that the state's rate was 5.4 percent in August, down two-tenths of a percentage point from July's numbers. It mirrors a decrease in the national unemployment rate, which was 5.1 percent last month.

The state says employment rose in six major industry sectors in August. The biggest jump came in the government sector, which added 2,800 jobs. According to the state, most of those are attributed to classes starting again at public schools and universities.

Educational and health sector jobs increased by 2,600, while professional and business services jobs rose by 1,000. The manufacturing sector decreased by 1,000 jobs, with losses occurring in both durable and nondurable goods.

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