Unemployment for black Americans rose to 15.7 percent in October, the federal government reported today.
That number, up 0.3 percent from the previous month, was by far the highest among the major ethnic group tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The nation’s unemployment rate overall rose to 10.2 percent last month, the highest since 1983.
President Obama today will sign a bill to extend unemployment insurance benefits, reflecting the rise of long-term joblessness. The bill also extends a tax credit for first-tine home buyers and also expands it so that current homeowners are eligible. The White House and congressional leaders are weighing other steps to bolster the job market.
Employers cut a net 190,000 jobs in November, the report showed. The losses over were in construction, manufacturing and retail.
By the Numbers
Nation: 10.2 percent, up 0.4 percent
White: 9.5 percent, up 0.5 percent
Black: 17.7 percent, up 0.3 percent
Hispanic: 13.1 percent, up 0.4 percent
