Adjusted unemployment numbers encouraging for RI - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Adjusted unemployment numbers encouraging for RI

The revised unemployment numbers for Rhode Island in the month of December mark a record low for the Ocean State.

The new numbers show the unemployment numbers drop into the single digits to 9.9% in the month of December. This is the first time that unemployment dipped below 10 percent in 46 months. Originally the December number was projected to be 10.2%.

Rhode Island based jobs also proved to be higher than projected with 6,800 more RI based jobs than initially projected.

"I am encouraged, though not surprised, to see that our economic recovery in Rhode Island has been more robust than originally reported, with December's unemployment rate falling below 10 percent for the first time in nearly four years," said Governor Chafee.

He continued, "By investing in the necessary fundamentals of a sustainable economy – quality public education, sound infrastructure, and workforce development – my administration has been working day-in and day-out to bolster Rhode Island's recovery. We have created a climate of certainty, stability, and predictability, giving employers the confidence to invest and create jobs in our state."