ABJ - June 22 - Regional and state unemployment rates were little changed in May, as 18 states recorded unemployment rate increases, 14 states plus Washington, D.C. posted rate decreases, and 18 states had no change, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to the report, 49 states and Washington, D.C. registered unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier, while only one state experienced an increase. The national jobless rate, at 8.2 per cent, was essentially unchanged from April, and 0.8 per cent lower than May 2011.

In May, non-farm payroll employment increased in 27 states and Washington, D.C., decreased in 22 states, and was unchanged in Maine.

The largest over-the-month increase in employment occurred in California (33,900), followed by Ohio (19,600), and New Jersey (17,600). The largest over-the-month decrease in employment occurred in North Carolina (-16,500), followed by Pennsylvania (-9,900), and Maryland (-7,500).

Vermont experienced the largest over-the-month percentage increase in employment (1.1 per cent), followed by Montana (0.9 per cent), and Nebraska (0.7 per cent). Alaska had the largest over-the-month percentage decline in employment (-0.8 per cent), followed by New Mexico (-0.6 per cent).

Over the year, non-farm employment increased in 43 states and Washington, D.C., and decreased in seven states.