NASHVILLE - Tennessee's unemployment rate for the month of November is 5.8 percent, up 0.2 percentage point from the seasonally-adjusted October rate of 5.6 percent, Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today. The national unemployment rate for November is 5.0 percent, the same as the October rate.

"The business survey shows Tennessee's employment growth is slowing, relative to the nation, causing the unemployment rate to moderately rise," said Commissioner Neeley. "On the positive side, some sectors continue to do very well with steady year-over-year growth, like health care and trade. Durable goods manufacturing is also showing modest growth."

October-to-November figures show retail trade jobs grew by 5,000. Government employment grew by 1,800 and food services and drinking places employment rose 1,400. Month-to-month seasonal decreases took place in arts, entertainment and recreation, down 1,600 jobs; construction declined by 1,000 jobs, and manufacturing jobs decreased by 200.

From November 2004 to November 2005, health care and social assistance jobs increased by 6,600. Trade/transportation/utilities increased by 6,000 and jobs in food services and drinking places rose by 3,700. Employment decreased in administrative and waste services by 2,100, information by 1,900, and accommodations by 1,700.