Unemployment in Rhode Island hit a new record of 13% last month, according data released last week by the state’s Department of Labor and Training. The new rate, which rose from 12.8% in August, is the state’s highest since 1976 when it began using its current methodology.
Nationally, the unemployment rate hit 9.8% in September, according the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In August, Rhode Island had the third highest unemployment rate in the nation behind Michigan and Nevada. The bureau will publish September data for states on Wednesday.
The number of employed residents decreased by 3,900 in September to 496,400. The number of unemployed residents, defined as those actively seeking work, increased to 74,000. The small New England state is home to 1,050,788 people, according to 2008 Census data.
The sectors hit hardest by job loss were the accommodation and food services, losing 1,000 jobs, which the state labor department reported was larger than usual seasonal job losses. Professional and business services lost 700 jobs and manufacturing lost 600. The one sector that gained jobs was government, which added 1,100 jobs.
Personal income tax collections for the first quarter of the fiscal year came in $9.5 million lower than projections, a 4% decrease, according to the state Revenue Department.
