As opinions fluctuate as to whether we are still in the midst of a recession or if recovery is slowly but surely on its way, Arkansas maintains a lower than average unemployment rate or other hopeful signals of improvement.
The rate of unemployment stayed steady in September, remaining at the same level as August at 7.1%. However The Arkansas Workforce Services Department recently announced that the actual number of people in employment went up by an impressive 9,000 in the month of September. This development has brought the number of employed above those unemployed for the first time in seven months.
Yet despite what may appear to be a high percentage of unemployment, Arkansas continues to be in a better position than many other struggling states whose joblessness has remained in double figures for months now. The Govenor has recently announced a 2.2% cut in the state budget due to the decreased income from taxes but others have taken hope in small signs of improvement.
The Northwest Arkansas Job Fair took place this week and with 52 local companies taking resumes and interviewing potential recruits, it was the prime location for the unemployed. Yet despite this the turnout was lower than expected, with about 1000 jobseekers in comparison to a their Spring event which saw a turnout of 3,200. As such some are seeing this as a positive sign of recovery, but only time will tell how each state deals with the ongoing crisis.
