September 2001 — 2001-10-23

Regional and state unemployment rates generally were stable from August to September, but higher than a year earlier. All four regions reported little or no change over the month, and 44 states and the District of Columbia reported shifts of 0.3 percentage point or less, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. The national jobless rate was unchanged in September at 4.9 percent. Nonfarm employment decreased in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The terrorist attacks of September 11 occurred during the reference periods for the Bureau's monthly establishment and household surveys. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the attacks caused many businesses to shut down for one or more days. In the establishment survey, however, persons paid for any part of the reference period are considered employed. Similarly, in the household survey, persons working during any part of the reference week, as well as those temporarily absent from their jobs, are considered employed.