Unemployment rate, May 2008-May 2009 Percent 2008 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 May 9.4