High Unemployment Rate Spoiling Recovery Rate The unemployment rate jumped almost half a point to 9.7 percent in August. That's the highest level since 1983. A poor job market will make it hard for the economy to begin a sustained recovery. The recession has eliminated a net total of 6.9 million jobs since it began in December 2007. There are now 14.9 million Americans unemployed.

High Unemployment Rate Spoiling Recovery Rate

High Unemployment Rate Spoiling Recovery Rate

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The unemployment rate jumped almost half a point to 9.7 percent in August. That's the highest level since 1983. A poor job market will make it hard for the economy to begin a sustained recovery. The recession has eliminated a net total of 6.9 million jobs since it began in December 2007. There are now 14.9 million Americans unemployed.

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