Unemployment Rate Falls

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky's unemployment rate dropped in March to 8.6 percent from 8.7 percent in February. While it's improving, the state's unemployment rate continued to lag behind the national rate, which fell to 8.2 percent in March from 8.3 percent in February. Six of the state's 11 major economic sectors reported employment increases in March with the state adding 3,200 non-farm jobs during the month. Leading the growth were the trade, transportation and utilities sector, which added 1,900 jobs, and the leisure and hospitality sector, which grew by 1,800 positions. The latter's growth came primarily from retail stores and restaurants. The financial activities sector added 900 jobs, while the educational and health services sector rose by 600 positions.