Rhode Island’s unemployment rate ticked down again in May from 6.1 percent to 5.9 percent. The economy gained 3,400 jobs.
The biggest gains came in hospitality and food services, which have added more than 2,000 jobs since the beginning of the year. Labor officials say the strong numbers in May reflect mild weather and the Volvo Ocean Race, which drew thousands of tourists to Newport. Another sector, Professional and Business Services, has also been on the rise. The Labor Department says it is now at a record-high in the state. Overall the jobless rate reached 5.9 percent, nearing the national average of 5.5 percent.
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