North Carolina's unemployment rate rose slightly in November while that of the nation as a whole fell slightly, according to statistics released Friday by the N.C. Employment Security Commission.

The jobless rate in North Carolina was 6.2 percent, up one-tenth of a percent above the October rate. On the other hand, the national rate fell from six percent to 5.9 percent in the same period.

The slight increase in November came on the heels of a decrease in the jobless rate that came in October. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the state has not dropped below six percent but one month this year-February. It has ranged from a low in February of 5.8 percent to a high in July and August of 6.6 percent.

"Overall there has been very little change in North Carolina's labor market over the past month," said ESC Chairman Harry E. Payne Jr. "Total labor force and employment numbers increased somewhat over the month, while total unemployment also increased slightly.

"Total employment in the state has grown by nearly 53,000 since November 2002, and unemployment has dropped by more than 17,000 during the same period, indicating that North Carolina is seeing a much improved employment situation from this time last year," Payne added.

The manufacturing sector of the state's economy continued to experience employment decreased in November along with trade, transportation, warehousing and utilities.

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