Unemployment Rate Hits New High

Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Los Angeles County increased to 12.8 percent in October, up from a revised 12.6 percent in September, the state Economic Development Department reported today.

The 12.8 percent unemployment rate was above the 8.5 percent rate in October 2008, according to the EDD.

In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in October, up slightly from 9.4 percent in September.

California's jobless rate was 12.5 percent in October, slightly above the 12.3 percent rate in September, but well above the October 2008 rate of 8 percent.

The comparable estimates for the nation were 10.2 percent in October, 9.8 percent in September and 6.6 percent for October 2008.

Total nonfarm employment increased by 36,600 jobs in Los Angeles County between September and October to reach about 3.9 million.

The government sector showed the largest month-over-month job increases in Los Angeles County, adding 19,300 jobs. The manufacturing, construction and leisure and hospitality sectors all posted job losses.

A total of 626,000 people were unemployed in October in Los Angeles County, which has a labor force of about 4.9 million.

Statewide, 2.29 million people were out of work, up from 2.26 million in September.