PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island’s information sector added 100 new jobs in June, the R.I. Department of Labor and Training announced in an otherwise gloomy employment report released on July 18.

The information sector, which includes telecommunications and other digital media industries, was one of only five sectors in Rhode Island to post a net increase in jobs during the month, according to the report.

Across the state economy, however, the unemployment rate rose last month to 7.5 percent, its highest level in 15 years. It marked the sixth consecutive month of job losses for both Rhode Island and the United States.

The report also contained additional good news for the industry. From June 2007 to June 2008, the information sector reported the largest increase in jobs of any industry, with a total gain of 500 positions.

The information sector was one of just three that didn’t shed jobs over the past 12 months. Overall, the state lost 11,900 jobs in the past year, a 2.4 percent decrease. •