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January 10, 2013

Good month for jobs

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — November was apparently a good month for job seekers. Unemployment in Cleveland County dipped from 4.5 percent in October to 4.1 percent.

Statewide, too. Officials at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said employment improved in each of the state’s 77 counties. The metro area unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, with an estimated 2,100 jobs added in November.

Nationally, employment dropped below 7 percent in 192 large cities. It’s the first time that has happened since the recession ended.

Southeastern Oklahoma seems hardest hit with an 8.9 percent rate, the state’s highest, in LeFlore County. Most employed counties were in Ellis and Dewey counties in northwestern Oklahoma.

The hiring came during the holiday season, afer SuperStorm Sandy and during the pre-fiscal cliff discussions. Analysts said the timing shows the economy’s comeback strength.

The employment numbers follow strong reports on housing, auto sales, investments and retail spending. Consumers increased their borrowing in November by $16 billion. Credit card debt rose about $817 million.

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