Maine's unemployment rate in October was 5.7 percent, up one-tenth of a percent from September, according to the state Labor Department.

In October 2007, the unemployment rate for Maine was 4.9 percent.

State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said labor market conditions in Maine continued to weaken in October because of the slowing national economy.

"Maine businesses and workers have been affected by both layoffs and reduced seasonal hiring," Fortman said in a statement.

The national unemployment rate in October was 6.5 percent, up from 6.1 percent in September and 4.8 percent from a year previous.

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