I have not heard the official numbers lately, but I am willing to bet that the unemployment rate is going up.
Why am I betting that? Because I have a sure-fire barometer for the unemployment rate. When it is below 5%, every one at McDonald’s looks like they are drooling, going to drool, or have drooled onto my food. When it is over 5%, the workers are under 21, have acne, and speak marginal english- but they are not droolers. Over 6%, and they are 35 and have a liberal arts degree (usually history or theater).
At any rate, tonight I had a pimply faced 21 year old, so I am betting unemployment is near 5.6%. Just a guess, though.