By Michael Mandel

Job Losses are Widespread

The overall U.S. unemployment rate climbed to 8.1% for February, the highest since late 1983. No surprise, production and construction jobs were among the worst-hit over the past year. Employment in computer and mathematical occupations is down, as is the number of sales and office workers. In fact, of the 22 largest occupational categories tracked by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, only nine showed gains between February 2008 and February 2009. Among the occupational categories that saw increases: health care, personal care, and education.