Job Growth Slows Down in November

Washington, DC, Dec. 3, 2010 — Job growth unexpectedly slowed in November, the Labor Department said Friday.

Total non-farm payrolls increased 39,000 in November, much lower than the 155,000 gain expected by Wall Street economists.

The unemployment rate moved up to 9.8% in November from 9.6% in October. Economists forecast the unemployment rate to hold steady at 9.6%.

This is the highest unemployment rate since April.

Average hourly earnings were essentially unchanged at $22.75. Economists had been expecting a 0.2% gain.