State's unemployment rates falls belows national rate

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Minnesota's unemployment rate improved last month with the addition of 6,900 jobs.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says the state unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent in November. That's a drop from 4.7 percent in October.

Minnesota's unemployment rate is also below the national rate, which was 4.7 percent both months.

The biggest job-creating sectors were construction and professional and business services. Both sectors added just under 2,000 jobs.

Despite the addition of 6,900 jobs in November, Minnesota's job growth rate is below the national rate. Department spokeswoman Kirsten Morrell says a recent survey found manufacturers are anticipating some job growth next year.

"Based on what they're seeing with their own firms and their own work environments, they're reporting increases in product orders, productivity and production levels for 2007. And they're optimistic that that's going to continue in 2008," says Morrell.

The survey showed optimism for growth in spite of concerns over energy prices, international competition, and import costs.

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