BUSINESS

U.S. unemployment rates drop as hiring picks up nationwide

Christopher S. Rugaber The Associated Press
Published Friday, November 20, 2015 11:13AM EST

In this Oct. 6, 2015, photo, military veteran Mark Cannon, of Miami, right, talks with Cynthia Carcillo, a veterans outreach representative for Career Source Broward, about employment opportunities at a job fair for veterans, in Pembroke Pines, Fla. (AP / Lynne Sladky)

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WASHINGTON -- Unemployment rates fell in 32 U.S. states last month as employers nationwide added the most jobs of any month this year.

Jobless rates rose in just three states in October and were unchanged in 15.

Employers stepped up hiring in 40 states last month, the most since April. The biggest job gains occurred in California, which added 41,200, followed by Florida, with 35,200.

A hiring rebound in October added 271,000 jobs, the most this year. The national unemployment rate fell to 5 per cent from 5.1 per cent. Steady spending by consumers has offset slower growth overseas and encouraged businesses to add more workers.

Unemployment rates in 21 states have fallen below 4.5 per cent, a historically very low level that could soon push up wages.