The N.C. unemployment rate dropped from 10.8 percent to 10.3 percent in May, with an increase of 12,900 jobs.
The biggest increase in non-farm jobs was in government, with 16,100 jobs added, while 2,900 manufacturing jobs were lost. In the past year, the state has lost 3,300 jobs. In May 2009, the state unemployment was 10.9 percent.
The national unemployment rate last month was 9.7 percent. Local figures will be released Friday.

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