From: Bizjournals.com

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The Bay State’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.9 percent in November, marking the first time it has dipped below 3 percent since the beginning of the century.

Massachusetts added a net of 5,800 jobs last month, with the government leading the way by creating 3,800 new positions, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development said Thursday. Three other sectors — construction, financial activities, and professional, scientific and business services — each added 1,000 jobs or more.

The commonwealth’s unemployment rate was last 2.9 percent in January 2001, according to the agency. It has now fallen for five consecutive months.

Nationally, the unemployment rate stood at 4.6 percent in November.

Not every sector of the Massachusetts economy gained jobs last month. The trade, transportation and utility category lost 2,200 jobs, leisure and hospitality lost 1,700 jobs, and manufacturing lost 100 jobs.