National unemployment rates rise in October

In October, 415,000 people lost their jobs nationwide, according to a report from the national Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

 

 

 

The one-month figure is the greatest loss of jobs in 21 years. 

 

 

 

The jump in unemployment, from 4.9 percent in September to 5.4 percent in October, marked the largest increase in unemployment rates for almost five years. 

 

 

 

Economists said the downward trend continues a slump that began several months ago, but amplified last month and the end of September by the Sept. 11 attacks and the market's reaction to its aftermath.