The Arizona Department of Commerce reported that Phoenix-area unemployment stood at 7.2 percent in March. That is up from 6.7 percent in February and 3.9 percent in March 2008. The U.S. jobless rate stands at 8.5 percent.

The state has lost 183,100 jobs since March 2008 — 135,000 of those coming from the Phoenix area. The financial sector lost 1,300 jobs statewide from February to March, while administrative and support positions fell by 5,200 and the construction industry lost 3,300.

Businesses often target support and back-office staff first in layoffs and furloughs. Phoenix-area employers have cut 30,700 support and administrative workers since March 2008, according to ADOC.

Heavy construction companies, which are poised to gain from the $787 billion stimulus spending plan, added 200 jobs in Arizona during March. Retailers added 3,700 jobs and food services gained 1,600 positions during the month as Cactus League spring training baseball helped boost service and tourism businesses during March.

The state’s economy continues to face challenges with distressed consumers, restrained lending, housing troubles and rising credit card interest rates.