Employment Situation Remains Unchanged in October

 

Chart 1. Unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, October 2008 to October 2010. Chart 2. Nonfarm payroll employment over-the-month change, seasonally adjusted, October 2008 to October 2010.
Courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics

Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 151,000 in October, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 9.6 percent. Since December 2009, nonfarm payroll employment has risen by 874,000. 

The number of unemployed persons, at 14.8 million, was little changed in October. The unemployment rate remained at 9.6 percent and has been essentially unchanged since May.

The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) was about unchanged over the month at 6.2 million. In October, 41.8 percent of unemployed persons had been jobless for 27 weeks or more.

The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) fell by 318,000 over the month to 9.2 million, partially offsetting large increases in the prior 2 months. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. Many in the landscape industry are also feeling the economic pinch. Those who own contracting businesses can find plenty of workers to hire part time.

- Courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics