WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that just 227,000 jobs were added in November, rebounding from the 36,000 jobs created the previous month. Also, September and October employment growth was revised upward by 56,000 jobs combined. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% from 4.1%. The number of unemployed persons rose to 7.1 million, up from 6.9 million last month. There are over one million more unemployed Americans now than one year ago. The labor force participation rate held steady at 62.6% (still below pre-pandemic levels).
For women:
- The unemployment rate for adult women jumped to 3.9% from 3.6% last month.
- The unemployment rate jumped to 6.0% for black women from 4.9% but remained constant at 5.2% for Hispanic women.
- Women’s labor force participation stayed constant at 57.3%.
Patrice Onwuka, director of the Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) at Independent Women’s Forum, issued the following statement:
“Today’s jobs report shows weaknesses in the U.S. economy for women, despite the rebound in overall jobs. Positively, workers furloughed from the recent hurricanes are back on the job. However, not only is the share of unemployed workers on the rise, but the share of unemployed women rose 0.3 percentage points, and the rate of unemployed black women jumped from 4.9% to 6% from the previous month.
“A rising number of Americans are working two jobs, with women outpacing men as multiple job holders. At the same time, long-term unemployed Americans are struggling to find new jobs. The number of those out of work for over six months jumped once again, and it’s taking longer for unemployed workers to find a new one.
“The labor market is hobbling along, but workers are understandably worried about replacing lost jobs. They are also struggling with the unaffordability crisis that makes everyday expenses costlier each year.
“The American people sent a clear message: the policy agenda of the Biden-Harris administration has not made their lives better but worse. Conservatives have a chance to implement pro-growth, disinflationary policies that will make everyday life more affordable and bring the American dream back within reach for many more.”