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 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 broader state economy, however, last month the unemployment rate rose to 7.5 percent, its highest level in 15 years. (READ MORE) June marked the sixth consecutive month of job losses for both Rhode Island and the nation.

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

The information sector was one of just three in Rhode Island that did not shed jobs compared with June 2007. Across all sectors, the state has lost 11,900 jobs over the past year, a 2.4 percent decrease.

Additional information about the local labor market is available from the R.I. Department of Labor and Training at www.dlt.ri.gov/lmi.