The national unemployment rate dropped 0.4 percent to 9 percent in January. The manufacturing industry saw employment levels trend upward. Employment across most major industries was relatively unchanged.

The number of unemployed people dropped by 600,000 to 13.9 million individuals. The number of those who lost jobs or worked temporary jobs dropped from 8.9 million to 8.5 million. The number of long-term unemployed people decreased to 6.2 million. They comprise 43.8 percent of the unemployed.

The number of people working part-time for economic reasons declined from 8.9 million to 8.4 million. There were still 1 million discouraged workers in January, virtually unchanged from the previous year. These workers have stopped looking for jobs because they believe there are none available for them.

The manufacturing sector created 49,000 jobs in January. Durable goods, including motor vehicles and parts, added 20,000 jobs; fabricated metals added 13,000 jobs; machinery added 10,000 jobs; and computer and electronic goods added 5,000 jobs. However, nondurable goods manufacturing dropped by 13,000 jobs.

The construction industry continued to eliminate positions, with employment decreasing by 32,000 jobs.