N.C. unemployment jumps to 5.4%

Unemployment in North Carolina increased to 5.4 percent in April, giving the state its highest jobless rate since August 2005.

It was the fourth consecutive monthly increase in statewide unemployment.

The seasonally adjusted joblessness rate was up from 5.2 percent in March, according to the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina.

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Unemployment in North Carolina in April also outpaced the national rate of 5 percent.

The statewide rate in April 2007 was 4.7 percent.

Nearly every sector of the economy shed jobs last month, led by a 4,200-job decline in manufacturing and a 3,700-job loss in trade, transportation and utilities. Overall, nonfarm employment dipped by 14,700 jobs during the month, the commission says.