July 24, 2012 (HYANNIS) _The employment picture continues to improve on Cape Cod.

The state Office of Labor and Workforce Development says the unemployment rate in Barnstable County was 5.6% last month.

That’s compared to 6.9% the year before at the same time. The jobless rate was also down from 6% in may.

David Augustinho with the Cape and Islands Workforce Investment Board says the local economy continues to show signs of strength.

The jobless rates were also down on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and in Bristol and Plymouth counties.

Statewide – the rate was up in june compared to may.