Published: November 20, 2009 12:05 pm      

EMPLOYMENT: Jobless rate in Suwannee hits 10%

Unemployment in Suwannee County hit 10 percent in October, according to figures released this morning by the state. September’s figure was 9.8 percent, compared to 6.2 percent for October 2008.

The jobless rate in Hamilton and Lafayette counties rose as well. Unemployment in Hamilton County rose to 11.4 percent, from 11.1 in September and 8.0 in October 2008. Lafayette rose to 7.3 from 7.2 in September. The October 2008 rate was 4.9 percent.

The jobless rate for October in Florida in was 11.2 percent, up slightly from 11.1 in September. The September 2008 jobless rate in Florida was 6.9 percent.

The national unemployment rate is 10.2 percent.