Credit card
debt is likely to remain a widespread problem with a national unemployment rate that climbed to 10.2 percent.

The newest figures from the U.S. government confirmed a longtime expectation among many economists that the unemployment rate would finally exceed 10 percent. Other signs of economic improvement have been seen in the stock market and some consumer spending figures, but employment is often slower to gain momentum during an economic recovery.

“We have known for some time now that the unemployment rate could reach this level, and it is an unacceptable situation. We are working hard to reverse these circumstances for the millions of Americans who need and want work but cannot find it,” said Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.

Nationwide, the economy lost 190,000 jobs in September as unemployment climbed to its highest point in more than 25 years, although Solis noted that at the peak of the recession, monthly job losses were closer to 700,000.

A statement from the White House noted that there had been 33,700 jobs created in the temporary help sector, which is said to frequently see growth earlier then other industries when a recovery is underway.

A report by CNNMoney.com said that economists had been expecting the unemployment rate to rise only to 9.9 percent for September. The unemployment rate is widely expected to hover in the 10 percent range for much of next year before finally showing more improvement.

Many unemployed workers will get some good news after Friday, when President Obama signs legislation extending their benefits. However, credit card debt will remain a serious problem for many of them until more employers start hiring again.

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