DETROIT -- Michigan unemployment numbers for December 2008 were the highest for the month since 1984, according to data released Wednesday by the state’s Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

The unemployment percentage for December was 10.6 percent, up from 9.6 percent in November, according to DELEG.

The national jobless rate for December was 7.2 percent.

Michigan has had the nation's highest jobless rate for much of the past three years.

Total employment dropped by 68,000 over the month, and unemployment rose by 47,000. The state labor force declined by 21,000 jobs in a month.

Also according to the data released Wednesday, total employment in Michigan fell every month in 2008. And since December 2007, which is classified as the first month of the current U.S. recession, unemployment in the state rose 39.5 percent. The number is only slightly behind the national rate of 47.3.

The Detroit-Warren-Livonia Metropolitan Statistical Area data showed the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December was 11.1 percent, the highest jobless rate for the metropolitan area since November 1984, according to DELEG.

Michigan's double-digit jobless rate was expected as the state's already struggling economy worsens because of the national recession. But the one-month leap in the rate was unusually large.

Additionally, retail trade jobs declined by 3,000 over the month, which showed a slower trend of holiday hiring.

Manufacturing showed the largest monthly decline -- 12,000 -- since the 21,000 reduction in August 2008.

The education and health industry sector showed a 4,000 decline from November to December.

Find out more by visiting the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth online or by checking out ClickOnDetroit.com's jobs page here.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will also be holding a job fair, find out more here.