Unemployment falls to 8.1 percent as more people end job searches
Posted:
Updated:
WASHINGTON (AP) -
U.S. employers added 96,000 jobs last month, a weak figure that could slow any momentum President Barack Obama hoped to gain from his speech to the Democratic National Convention.
The unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent from 8.3 percent in July, but only because more people gave up looking for work. The government only counts people as unemployed if they are actively searching.
The Labor Department also says 41,000 fewer jobs were created in July and June than first estimated. The economy has added just 139,000 jobs a month since the beginning of the year, below 2011's average of 153,000.
The bleak report comes just two months before Election Day, and the economy is the top issue on most voters' minds.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:07:17 GMT
A touching moment on the mound in Tampa Bay. A military father fresh home from Afghanistan surprised his daughter during the first pitch of Thursday night's Red Sox vs. Rays game.
A touching moment on the mound in Tampa Bay. A military father fresh home from Afghanistan surprised his daughter during the first pitch of Thursday night's Red Sox vs. Rays game.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 13:17:09 GMT
Motor City Comic Con gathers comic book and multi-media dealers from across the country, along with some of the biggest names of the industry May 17-19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
Motor City Comic Con gathers comic book and multi-media dealers from across the country, along with some of the biggest names of the industry May 17-19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:58:06 GMT
Gallery on the Boulevard is now open to the public. The restored 1918 residence, located in the Historic District of Pontiac's West End, is now home to wonderful works of art.
Gallery on the Boulevard is now open to the public. The restored 1918 residence, located in the Historic District of Pontiac's West End, is now home to wonderful works of art.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:33 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:33:57 GMT
The third time's the charm for Candice Glover on "American Idol. The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist won the Fox singing competition after auditioning a trio of times and making it to the finals this year.
The third time's the charm for Candice Glover on "American Idol. The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist won the Fox singing competition after auditioning a trio of times and making it to the finals this year.
