Published: December 18, 2009 12:01 pm      

EMPLOYMENT: Jobless rate in Suwannee hits 10.9%

Hamilton, Lafayette also up

Unemployment in Suwannee County rose to 10.9 percent in November, according to figures released today by the state. October’s adjusted figure was 10.1 percent, compared to 6.7 percent for November 2008.

The jobless rate in Hamilton and Lafayette counties rose as well.

Unemployment in Hamilton County rose to 12.4 percent, from an adjusted rate of 11.4 in October and 9.3 in November 2008. Lafayette rose to 8.4 from an adjusted figure of 7.5 in October. The November 2008 rate was 5.3 percent.

The jobless rate for November in Florida in was 11.5 percent, the highest since May 1975, when it was 11.9. October’s adjusted jobless rate was 11.3 percent.

The November 2008 jobless rate in Florida was 7.4.

The national unemployment rate is 10 percent.