U.S. Jobless Rate Fell to 8.6 Percent in November

This morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the national unemployment rate and employment numbers for November. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.6 percent, the lowest since March 2009. The civilian labor force -- which includes both the employed and unemployed -- declined by 315,000 persons on a seasonally adjusted basis in November. So far in 2011, the adjusted average monthly change in the labor force has been a gain of 193,000 persons.

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 339,000 from October to November, which exceeded seasonal expectations by 120,000 jobs. The BLS reports that retail trade added 50,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted) over the month; most gains occurred in clothing and clothing accessories stores, and electronics and appliance stores. Manufacturing and construction employment showed little movement in November, and government employment continued to trend down.

You can find all the monthly employment situation news in the full BLS release.