By By Kerry Whipple Bean
While not a “trend,” Alabama’s jobless rate declined last month for the first time since September 2007.
The state rate was 10.5 percent in November, down from 10.9 percent the previous month.
In Escambia County, the jobless rate was 12.5 percent, down slightly from the previous month. The rate in Conecuh County was 19.9 percent and it was 21.1 percent in Monroe County.
The counties with the lowest unemployment rate in November were Shelby at 7.3 percent, Madison at 7.3 percent, Coffee at 7.8 percent and Pike at 8.2 percent. Counties with the highest rates were: Wilcox at 24.3 percent, Monroe at 21.1 percent and Dallas at 20.3 percent.
State Sen. Marc Keahey said the unemployment rate has been one of the biggest hindrances to economic recovery in the state — even for those who still have jobs.