Area Jobless Rates Fall Slightly

Unemployment rates in 20 of the state's 22 labor market areas were lower in October than in September, according to the state Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

The Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner area, along with the Amherst, Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford and Peabody areas reported the greatest month-to-month unemployment rate declines.

The unemployment rate in the Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner market fell from 11.9 percent in September to 10.9 percent last month. The market's unemployment rate was 7 percent a year ago.

Worcester's unemployment rate fell from 9.7 percent to 9 percent over the month. A year ago, the city's jobless rate was 5.8 percent.

Framingham's jobless rate decreased from 7.6 percent in September to 6.8 percent in October. A year ago, its jobless rate was 4.3 percent.

The state's unemployment rate decreased from 9.3 percent in September to 8.9 percent last month.