FIRST ON 3: November state unemployment up .1% to 9.7%

RALEIGH, NC (NEWS RELEASE) — North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 9.7 percent in November, according to statistics released today by the state’s Employment Security Commission.

“Consistent job growth continues to be a goal for this state,” said ESC Chairman Lynn R. Holmes. “As we work toward that goal, the ESC will be here to assist our citizens. Our offices statewide are working hard to place people into jobs and to assist those who are eligible for unemployment benefits.”

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm industry employment, as gathered through the monthly establishment survey decreased to 3,887,700 in November. The largest over the month employment increase occurred in Education & Health Services (+4,800). The largest decrease was in Trade, Transportation & Utilities (-5,200) and Leisure & Hospitality (-5,200). Since November 2009, nonfarm employment has decreased by 6,100 jobs.

The number of people employed (seasonally adjusted) decreased by 8,216 workers to 4,033,121. The number of people unemployed increased by 4,886 workers, to 433,240. Since this time last year, the number of people unemployed has decreased by 58,559 and the number of workers employed is up 4,632. The state unemployment rate in November 2009 was 10.9 percent.The next unemployment update is scheduled for Tuesday, January 4, when the county unemployment rates for the month of November will be released.