N.C. unemployment rate stays at 10.8%

The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 8.9 percent in April.

The state actually added 26,857 jobs during the month, while the ranks of those unemployed and still seeking jobs dipped by only 815.

The state’s unemployed in April numbered 492,785, near the record high.

Statewide, the labor force increased to 4.58 million, up some 26,000 from March, as more people sought work.

North Carolina added 4,100 jobs in education and health services, but that increase was more than offset by the loss of 4,600 manufacturing jobs.

“Our state’s unemployment rate has remained pretty steady over the past three months,” ESC Chairman Moses Carey said in a statement. “While a gain in employment is nice to see, this global recession continues to affect many citizens in our state.”

The number of people working in North Carolina increased to 4,087,728, but that total is 171,865 fewer than a year ago.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate in April 2008 was 5.7 percent.

The state’s jobless rate hit 10.7 percent in February from 9.7 percent in January then rose slightly to 10.8 percent in March.