PROVIDENCE — The R.I. Department of Labor and Training announced Thursday, Jan. 17,  the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 2012 dropped to 10.2 percent, down two-tenths of a percentage point from the November 2012 rate and eight-tenths of a percentage point from the December 2011 rate.

The number of unemployed RI residents—those residents classified as available for and actively seeking employment—was 57,800, down 900 from the November figure of 58,700.

Over the year, the number of unemployed dropped by 4,300. The number of employed RI residents was up 2,200 over the November figures, increasing to 508,400 in December. This represents the fifth consecutive monthly increase in employed Rhode Islanders and the highest employment level since February 2009. Over the year, the number of employed R.I. residents increased 8,500 from December 2011.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in December 2012, unchanged from the previous month and down seven-tenths of a percentage point over the mainly to gains in the Professional & Business year.

The R.I. labor force totaled 566,200 in December 2012, up 1,300 from November 2012 and up 4,200 from December 2011. This represents the fourth consecutive monthly increase and the greatest labor force level since December 2010.

Highlights

• RI Unemployment Rate        10.2%
• U.S. Unemployment Rate       7.8%
• RI Job Count (in thousands) 458.8
• The RI unemployment rate declined to 10.2 percent, its lowest level since March 2009.
• The number of employed RI residents grew by 2,200 over the month.
• RI-based jobs increased 1,200 over the month

Add to favorites