Triangle unemployment rate increases

The Triangle's jobless rate jumped to 6.1 percent in November, as the global economic recession hits hard even in a region known for its resiliency.

The rate rose from 5.6 percent in October, according to data released today by the N.C. Employment Security Commission and adjusted for seasonal effects by Wachovia in Charlotte.

The local jobless rate remains well below the state average of 7.9 percent, and the national average of 6.7 percent.

The Triangle is home to a large concentration of traditionally stable industries: health care, education and government. But job cuts now are hurting workers in those sectors.

Wachovia economist Mark Vitner expects the state and local jobless rate to pass 9 percent before any type of recovery.

"This is a wicked recession," Vitner said. "And it's gotten whole lot worse."