CHICAGO (AP) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate fell in November to its lowest level since June 2008, hitting 6.4 percent.

The department said Thursday in its monthly report on the state’s jobs picture that the rate fell even though more of the state’s unemployed were seeking work.

Unemployment across Illinois was at 6.3 percent in June 2008, as the recession worsened. The jobless rate was above 9 percent as recently as last fall.

The U.S. unemployment rate for November stood at 5.8 percent.

Manufacturing and construction firms led November’s Illinois job growth. Manufacturers added 3,600 jobs and construction companies added 2,100.

The biggest job losses were among trade, transportation and utilities firms. They cut a net 8,700 jobs.
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