Jobless rate tops 10 pct. for first time since '83

A woman fills out an application for food stamps at the Yolo County Department of Employment & Social Services March 6, 2009 in West Sacramento, California. (Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The unemployment rate has surpassed 10 percent for the first time since 1983 -- and is likely to go higher.

The government says U.S. joblessness rose to 10.2 percent last month from 9.8 percent in September. The economy lost jobs for the 22nd month in a row.

Employers aren't expected to start adding jobs for several more months. Many are skeptical about the strength and sustainability of the recovery.

President Ralph Hardt of auto parts supplier Fein Tool North America in Cincinnati says he plans to slowly rehire once the economy picks up again.

©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.