Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Rises

Looks like a tough Christmas for some folks.

Wisconsin continued to add jobs last month, but not briskly enough for the growing number of out-of-work job hunters. As a result, the state unemployment rate in November climbed to 4.8%, up from 4.3% in November 2006 and the highest rate for November since 2003.

According to preliminary estimates that the state Department of Workforce Development released Thursday, the number of Wisconsin residents reporting that they’re employed increased 4,600 in the last 12 months, but the number of unemployed - without work but actively seeking it - grew 14,900 to the highest level in four years.