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Labor statistics show 'signs of progress'After two months of stability, the unemployment rate fell from 10 to 9.7 percent in January. Unemployment decreased to 7.9 percent among adult women, who now make up 49.9 percent of the workforce, compared to 48.8 percent at the beginning of the recession in December 2007. Average hourly earnings increased by 0.2 percent to $22.45, while the average workweek increased by 0.1 hour to 33.9 hours in January. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis noted the 5.7 percent growth in gross domestic product in the fourth quarter as further evidence that the economy is growing. "We are focused on doing everything possible to stem job losses, stimulate the economy and make 'good jobs for everyone' a reality," Solis said. "There are clear signs of progress in this effort, but we remain well aware that our nation can't reach its full potential while a single American is unemployed or underemployed." The economy lost 20,000 jobs in January, a relatively small change compared to December's 85,000 losses. Construction, transportation and warehousing were hit hardest, while employment increased in retail trade and temporary help services. The manufacturing sector, which suffered severe losses early in the recession, gained 11,000 jobs last month. The federal government added 33,000 jobs, including 9,000 workers to perform the 2010 census, while state and local governments reported losses. The census could add up to 1.2 million jobs, according to the Associated Press, all of which will be temporary. The unemployment rate peaked at 10.1 percent in October 2009, more than doubling the 5 percent rate at the beginning of the recession. Many believe recovery has been slowed by reduced consumer spending and uncertainty about the effects of government measures.
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