By Rupert Howell
November figures show there were fewer unemployment claims in Panola County than in the past five Novembers as figures dropped below 10 percent for the first time since at least November 2008.

According to Mississippi Employment Security Commission there were 1,450 unemployed in Panola County during November representing 9.8 percent of the county’s workforce.
The commission says of a labor force of 14,710, 13,260 are working.

The 9.8 percent is down considerably from October when it was 10.8 percent unemployment also down from last November when it was 10.4 percent.

November unemployment peaked in recent years in 2009 when it was 12.5 percent and was at its lowest point in November in 2008.

Panola County’s 12-month unemployment average is 11.5 percent.

There were 136 new claims and 1061 continued claims for the month.
Statewide, unemployment stood at 8.3 percent for November.