By Sam Wroblewski, WPRO News
New numbers from the Department of Labor and Training shows no improvement in Rhode Island’s 7.7% unemployment rate; leaving the Ocean State with the third highest unemployment in the country.
The new report shows the number of unemployed residents actively seeking jobs dropped by 500; however 2,000 less people participated in the state’s total labor force.
The number of residents on unemployment insurance has shown improvement, the DLT also reports that 1,497 less people are claiming unemployment insurance compared to one year ago.
Health Care was the biggest provider of jobs in August, adding 800 new positions, mostly in hospital and ambulatory care.
Neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut are faring better with an unemployment rate of 5.8% and 6.6% respectively; However Massachusetts’ employment slipped 0.02% since July.
