Almost 6.4 jobless workers chase 1 opening

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34825533/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

updated 2:29 p.m. ET, Tues., Jan. 12, 2010

WASHINGTON - The competition for jobs is intensifying as companies are reluctant to hire new workers, leaving millions of unemployed Americans chasing fewer job openings.

There were nearly 6.4 unemployed workers, on average, for each available job at the end of November, according to Labor Department data released Tuesday. That's up from 6.1 in October and a record high.

There were 1.7 jobless people for each opening in December 2007, when the recession began.

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