California Jobless Rate Holds Steady At 12.4 Percent

The state had a net gain of 1,600 nonfarm jobs during November, according to the state Employment Development. This followed a revised gain of 43,200 jobs in October.

November's increase gives the state 12,400 more nonfarm jobs than a year ago -- a 0.1 percent increase.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he's encouraged by gains in construction jobs for two consecutive months. It's the first time that's happened since 2006.

Construction posted the largest increase among nonfarm industries, adding 7,800 jobs last month.

Still, the state reported that 2,267,000 Californians were unemployed, and Schwarzenegger said that's far too many.

"As today's report indicates, we have seen a year-over-year increase in jobs in the state," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "However, these gains are fragile, and it is important that government do everything possible to boost private-sector employment."

The report said 11,000 more Californians are unemployed than in the same month last year. Five industries, including manufacturing and financial activities, reported job declines last month.

And while fewer people received unemployment benefits last month compared with October, the number of new claims edged up.

At 8.2 percent, Marin County had the state's lowest unemployment rate. Imperial County had the highest jobless rate at 29.1 percent.

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