Mass. Jobless Rate Dips In Nov. But Is Higher Than U.S. Rate

For the first time in more than six years, the unemployment rate in Massachusetts is higher than the U.S. rate.

The state Office of Labor and Workforce Development said Thursday that the state's jobless rate dropped in November to 7.1 percent from 7.2 percent in October. Preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics also show the state added 6,500 jobs in November.

The previously announced national unemployment rate dipped to a five-year low of 7 percent in November.

The last time Massachusetts had a monthly unemployment rate higher than the U.S. as a whole was in May 2007.

The state's jobless rate has climbed by four tenths of a point over the last 12 months, but officials say Massachusetts has also gained more than 55,000 jobs over that same period.