RI unemployment hits 13 percent

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island's unemployment rate climbed to 13 percent in September, according to the latest survey released Friday by the Department of Labor and Training.

It's the highest the unemployment rate has been in Rhode Island since the mid 1970s.

September's rate was up two-tenths of a percent from August, and was well above the national average of 9.8 percent.

The Department of Labor and Training said the number of unemployed Rhode Islanders increased by 800, bringing the total number to 74,000. That marks a 50 percent increase from September 2008, when Rhode Island's unemployment rate was 8.5 percent.

According to the survey, Rhode Island lost 2,800 jobs in September. Accommodation and food services was the hardest-hit sector. It shed 1,000 jobs; the largest decrease the sector has seen since the beginning of the recession. The DLT said larger than usual job losses among restaurants was the biggest factor.

The professional and business service sector lost 700 jobs, while hard-pressed manufacturers cut 600 positions.