BLS: R.I. had significant jobless-rate decline in February

RHODE ISLAND was among 42 states that had statistically significant jobless rate decreases in February year over year, falling to 6.3 percent from 8.4 percent.
RHODE ISLAND was among 42 states that had statistically significant jobless rate decreases in February year over year, falling to 6.3 percent from 8.4 percent.

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island was among 42 states that had statistically significant jobless-rate decreases in February year over year, falling to 6.3 percent from 8.4 percent.
In fact, the Ocean State and Kentucky had the largest declines, at 2.1 percentage points each, according to data released Friday by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Kentucky’s jobless rate dropped to 5.2 percent from 7.3 percent.
Rhode Island’s jobless rate still remains higher than the national average, however, which was 5.5 percent in February.
Among the New England states, Connecticut had the highest jobless rate in February at 6.4 percent. Maine’s rate was 5 percent; Massachusetts’ rate was 4.9 percent; and New Hampshire and Vermont each had rates of 3.9 percent.
In February, 19 states and the District of Columbia had statistically different over-the-month increases in employment, while Rhode Island experienced the most significant decrease at 2,700 jobs.
The largest job gains occurred in California, with 29,400 jobs; Georgia, 25,400 jobs and New York, 20,200 jobs, the federal agency said.

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