Maine’s unemployment rate down slightly to 8 percent in May from previous month

Maine’s unemployment rate down slightly in May

AUGUSTA, Maine — State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman says Maine’s unemployment in May was 8 percent, down slightly from April’s revised rate 8.1 percent.

May’s preliminary 8 percent rate also compares to the national unemployment rate of 9.7 percent.

Fortman said Friday that Maine has a long way to go to full recovery, but it has gained jobs four of the last five months, totaling 2,600.

Among metropolitan areas, unemployment rates were lower than the statewide average in Portland-South Portland-Biddeford area at 6.6 percent; Bangor 7.5 percent, and close to the average in Lewiston-Auburn, 8.1 percent.