Oklahoma added nearly 9,000 jobs in October, a good sign that the economy may be turning around. It was the fourth highest in the country and the gains came mostly in professional and business services, education and health care.
More than half of the states added jobs but some economists say many of those paychecks are temporary and could go away if the economy falters. Oklahoma's unemployment rate rose from 6.8 percent to 7.1 percent, well below the 10.2 national average.
Employers usually put on temporary workers first, then make those hires permanent if revenues hold. The temporary hires in other states seem to be related to the auto sector. Companies hired back workers to accommodate the surge in sales brought on by the cash for clunkers program.
The Associated Press said some of the gains also were in sectors which have fared relatively well during the recession. By contrast, there's little evidence that companies in hard-hit industries are hiring permanent staff.
Twenty-eight states added jobs last month. That compares to seven in September and eight in August. October's gains were the largest number to record increases since 33 states did so in February 2008.
Economists say gains in the financial sector and housing starts are good indicators the recession may be ending but job growth outside of government employment and retail sales are the best predictors of future stability.
