Ohio unemployment rises to 10.6 percent in November

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s unemployment rate has edged up to 10.6 percent for November, from 10.5 percent the month before.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said Friday that the jobs picture changed only slightly as a boost in hiring by services was partially offset by a slight loss in jobs at goods-producing businesses.

The number of workers unemployed in Ohio last month was 623,000, up from 618,000 in October. Meanwhile, nonfarm employment rose by 5,400.

Officials say the number of Ohioans out of work has risen by 199,000 in the last 12 months, from 424,000 in November 2008. The state’s jobless rate a year ago was 3.5 percentage points lower, at 7.1 percent.

In July, Ohio unemployment hit 11.2 percent, the highest level in about 26 years.