U.S. construction industry sheds 5,000 jobs

The nation’s unemployment rate climbed to 9.8 percent in November, a seven-month high, with construction companies cutting 5,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Employers overall added only 39,000 jobs last month, a sharp decline from the 172,000 created in October. The most significant job losses were in manufacturing and construction, while the health care industry experienced the largest gains. “Today’s numbers make clear the need to push sensible, effective and efficient ways to create jobs,” said secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. “Extending federal unemployment benefits now will help those who need it most and also will provide needed momentum for the economic recovery.” TRD

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