Unemployment rate, March 2008-March 2009 Percent 2008 Mar 5.1 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