Unemployment rose in 29 states as compared to 22 in September.
California, South Carolina, Florida and Delaware recorded unemployment rates of 12.5 percent, 12.1 percent, 11.2 percent, and 8.7 percent. Missouri noted an 8.9 percent unemployment rate, down from 9.3 percent in September, while Illinois rate was 10.5 percent, up from September’s 10.2 percent.
California records highest unemployment rate
Over time, the states of California and Florida have, among others, been the biggest victims of job losses.
Sean Smith, an economist at the University of Central Florida said, “Virtually every sector aside from the health care sector is losing jobs. Housing has been central to Florida’s economic story throughout the entire cycle. Unfortunately, it has spread well beyond the sectors directly involved in the housing market.”
Upon seeing the numbers the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, immediately ordered his labor secretary to chalk out a green jobs initiative, which he believes can employ more than 300,000 people.
"We have a great workforce who's ready to be prepared to into this sector and we have consumers in California ready for clean technology," said California Labor Secretary Victoria.
Unemployment has left many "hopeless"
But unemployment rates also fell in more than 13 other states; the chief ones being Massachusetts and New Hampshire that saw a decline of 0.4 percent each.
Payrolls also fell by 190,000 with New York showing a job loss of 15,300, followed by Florida at 8,500.
Unemployment has left many people hopeless. Mary Kough of Tellico Plains has had 20 years of work experience, but in spite of searching a job since the past four months she has been interviewed only once.
“When you apply for a job, because there are so many other people looking for jobs, you have to be the absolute perfect candidate and lucky, or be someone's brother-in-law, to get a job.
“In this economy there are very few jobs for which to even apply. I try not to get discouraged. I know that you will get a certain percentage of what you apply for, and since there are less jobs to apply for, I know it will just take a little longer. I take comfort in knowing that. I have faith,” said the 47-year-old.
Post new comment