The unemployment rate in the United States dipped, according to figures released by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the percentage for Hispanics increased.

The overall U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 6.3 percent for May, which is a decline of 0.4 percentage points from April's jobs report. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional and business services, health care and social assistance, food and beverage services, and transportation and warehousing helped increase May's employment figures.

In terms of unemployed persons, the bureau stated the number was "unchanged" at 9.8 million. In comparison to May 2013's data, the unemployment rate is down 1.2 percent and 1.9 million for the number of unemployed persons.

While the general unemployment rate decreased, the figure increased for Hispanics. According to the bureau, the Hispanic unemployment rate for May is 7.7 percent, an increase from April's 7.3 percent. 

The data revealed 23.1 million Hispanics are employed, though the statistic includes people temporarily absent from their jobs. The 7.7 percentage rate is equated to 1.9 million Hispanics; however, 13.1 million Hispanics are categorized as not in the labor force, meaning neither employed nor unemployed.

Prior to May's figures, the Hispanic unemployment rate was on a decline. In comparison to May 2013, the unemployment rate was at 9.1 percent. By January, the rate fell to 8.4 percent followed by 8.1 percent in February.

Among men over 20 years of age, the unemployment rate is 6.2 percent, an increase from April's 5.7 percent. More Hispanic women are apparently unemployed than men. Hispanic women's unemployment rate also increased from April's 6.6 percent to 7.5 percent.

The Hispanic unemployment rate for male and female teenagers is in double-digit territory. The bureau accounted the Hispanic unemployment of both sexes between the ages of 16 and 19 as one category. The unemployment for the Hispanic teenagers is 18.2 percent; however, their rate represents a decrease from April's 21.7 percent.

The National Council of La Raza's (NCLR) Monthly Latino Employment Report noted 65.6 percent of Hispanics, over the age of 16, are participating in the labor force.

"The relative youth and high labor force participation rate of the Latino population, immigration trends, and the aging of the non-Hispanic workforce are primary reasons for the growing share of Latinos in the labor force. The demographic makeup of the workforce of the future is already evident in certain segments of today's economy," the NCLR report stated.

For other races, the Bureau of Labor Statistics disclosed the unemployment rate for Blacks for May was 11.5 percent, Whites at 5.4 percent, and initial data has Asians with 5.3 percent.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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