Unemployment rate, April 2008-April 2009 Percent 2008 Apr 5.0 May 5.5 Jun 5.6 Jul 5.8 Aug 6.2 Sep 6.2 Oct 6.6 Nov 6.8 Dec 7.2 2009 Jan 7.6 Feb 8.1 Mar 8.5 Apr 8.9