Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 5.7% in November, below the rate of 6.1% a year ago, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
The 5.7% rate was the same as September, the last month figures were available from the EDD.
Civilian employment in the county was at 4.82 million in November, while unemployment was at 292,000. The civilian labor force was 5.12 million.
In Orange County, the November unemployment rate was 4.1%, down from 4.4% in September, but unchanged from the year-ago estimate.
Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.5% in November, the same rate as one year ago. The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.6% in November, and 4.2% during the same period last year.
Total non-farm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 19,600 jobs between October and November, and up 11,300 over the year.
Industry sectors that posted the largest month-over job reductions included construction (down 2,400), information (down 1,700), professional and business services (down 1,300), leisure and hospitality (down 1,100), and manufacturing (down 1,100).
Trade, transportation and utilities (up 15,700) reported the largest October-November employment increase. Holiday shopping drove up the job totals in retail trade (up 11,100), which accounted for 70% percent of the advance. The delivery of holiday parcels by couriers and messengers (up 4,400) also contributed to the growth with an increase of 4,700 jobs in transportation, warehousing and utilities.
Meanwhile, private education and health services extended payrolls by 6,800 jobs over the month.