US unemployment rose in November to a four-year high

December 17, 2025,

US unemployment ticked up last month in the latest sign of job market weakness, but

the mixed official report still leaves room for debate among central bankers.

The unemployment rate rose to a four-year high of 4.6% in November, up from 4.4% in

September, according to Labor Department figures on Tuesday. Employers added

64,000 jobs in November, more than many economists predicted.

The gains followed a drop of 105,000 jobs in October, driven by a loss of 162,000 federal

government roles stemming from the Trump administration's push to cut government

jobs earlier this year.

The delayed report was the first snapshot of the labour market since the US

government shutdown.