State’s jobless rate climbs again

By Staff
Alabama’s October unemployment rate rose to 10.9 percent up from September’s rate of 10.7 percent, according to Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees.
The figure represents 226,790 unemployed people and reflects 3,800 in wage and salary employment. Sectors experiencing gains were government, professional and business services, trade, transportation, utilities and educational and health services. Those experiencing losses were financial activities, manufacturing and natural resources and mining.
Those experiencing unemployment will have the benefit of a new law signed Nov. 6 designed to help the jobless. Claimants can seek benefits by going to www.dir.alabama.gov or by calling 1-800-752-7389.