The last time the unemployment rate was that high was March 1983, when it was 10 percent.
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"During these difficult times, the ESC continues to make sure that services are delivered through our local offices, by phone and the Internet," ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr. said in a news release. "We have added staff and are working extra hours to make sure that our customers receive the best service possible. While many job sectors have faced cutbacks and layoffs, Manufacturing and Construction continue to experience the most loss."
The number of unemployed workers increased by 73,396, to 443,069.
The ESC says the number of workers who are unemployed and who are actively seeking work is at an all-time high.
The next unemployment update is scheduled for Thursday, March 19. The county unemployment rates for the month of January will be released at that time.
