The Labor Department said U.S. employment rose by 146,000 in November, and the unemployment rate edged down to 7.7%. Employment increased in retail trade, professional and business services and healthcare.

Employment in construction declined by 20,000 in November, with much of the loss occurring in construction of buildings (-11,000). Since early 2010, employment in construction has shown no clear trend.

Manufacturing employment changed little over the month. Within the industry, job losses in food manufacturing (-12,000) and chemicals (-9,000) more than offset gains in motor vehicles and parts (+10,000) and wood products (+3,000). On net, manufacturing employment has changed little since this past spring.

To read the full Labor Department news release click here.