Unemployment rate falls in November

Sarasota and Manatee counties added roughly 1,000 jobs in November, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%.

The unemployment rate for the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota metro area in November, was the lowest it has been since April 2008, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday. The rate fell from 6.5% in October, and decreased nearly two points from the 8% recorded in November 2012.

Trade, transportation and utilities, professional and business services and leisure and hospitality sectors drove job growth in November. Construction and manufacturing sectors each shed at least 200 jobs from October to November.