Unemployment Numbers Explained

Last week there was a lot of talk about the monthly unemployment report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of jobs added came right at expectations of 114,000 jobs added, but the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 7.8%. Even the most optimistic economists, who had more than 114,000 jobs being added, did not have the unemployment rate falling to 7.8% and leading some Republicans to cry fowl play by the Obama administration. To understand both sides claims, we have put the monthly numbers in a simple chart so everyone can decide for themselves. Click here for our previous story.