Tenth of Americans out of work
The percentage of joblessness in the US has hit double figures for the first time in more than a quarter of a century, figures have showed.
Unemployment jumped to 10.2% in October, the highest level recorded since April 1983, the Bureau of Labour Statistics said.
In all, some 15.7 million Americans are now classified as unemployed. Since the recession began in December 2007, 8.2 million people have been laid off.
In view of the worsening unemployment figures, calls have been made for greater financial help from Washington.
Heidi Shierholz, economist at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), said: "Today's unemployment numbers are a wake-up call.
"Our leaders need to authorise substantial additional spending for relief and job creation in order to prevent unemployment from remaining elevated for years to come."
EPI president Lawrence Mishel added: "Unemployment has now exceeded what some thought would be the peak. With such a huge fire we need every hose we can find to put it out."
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