R.I. jobless rate rises to 10.5 percent

PROVIDENCE – The state’s unemployment rate climbed again in February, to 10.5 percent, according to the R.I. Department of Labor and Training.
The 0.2 percentage point increase from January was less than the 0.5 percentage point gain in the national unemployment rate, to 8.1 percent, the highest U.S. rate since December 1983.
In February, the number of unemployed Rhode Island residents – those who classify themselves as available for and actively seeking employment – increased by 1,900 over the previous month, to 59,700. Since February 2008, the number of unemployed state residents has increased 22,500.
Total nonfarm payroll employment continued to fall, to 467,300, a decline of 2,300 jobs from January. February marks the 13th straight month of job losses for Rhode Island and 14 consecutive months of job declines for the U.S. Since an employment peak in January 2007 of 496,400, the local economy has lost more than 29,000 jobs.
The manufacturing sector reported a monthly loss of 1,200 jobs in February, a drop mainly attributed to declines in several durable-goods industries. The construction sector lost 700 jobs. Other sectors with job losses included: professional and business services, 400; retail trade , 300; financial activities, 200; government, 200; arts, entertainment and recreation, 200; transportation and utilities, 100; and other services, 100.
There were some gains, however, including in: accommodation and food services, 500; health care and social assistance, 400; and educational services, 200.
Also, the number of employed residents – which includes Rhode Islanders employed outside of the state – totaled 506,700 in February, an increase of 1,800. It was the first over-the-month gain since September 2007. &#8226