North Carolina Unemployment Rate Increases to 7.9% - Highest in 25 Years

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased to 7.9 percent in November, according to statistics released today by the N.C. Employment Security Commission. It is the highest rate since October 1983.

“Global and national economic challenges have had an impact on North Carolina,” said ESC Chairman Harry E. Payne Jr. “Many employers are faced with layoffs or cutting back hours. Several job areas, including manufacturing and professional and business services, have been affected by the national business climate. During the last year, employment in those sectors alone is down by 57,600.”

Seasonally adjusted employment decreased by 58,621workers to 4,206,363. Unemployment increased by 35,828 workers, to 359,319. The number of workers who were unemployed, but actively seeking work is at an all-time high at 359,319. Since this time last year, unemployment has increased by 145,631 people. The labor force, over the year, has increased by 33,332 people. Employment is down by 112,299 workers since November 2007. The state rate in November 2007 was 4.7 percent.

To view the complete news release from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission click here.