The US state of Louisiana has reported a decrease in its unemployment rate in November.

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, there were 6,000 extra positions filled within the state last month compared to October, the Associated Press reported.

There has also been a year-on-year growth in employment, with the number of people working rising by 8,600 since the same time last year.

Executive director of the commission Tim Barfield highlighted that these statistics reveal Louisiana to be one of only five US states to see a decrease in its unemployment rate.

"These are welcome signs during a period when the economy nationally is struggling," commented Mr Barfield.

However, he added that his organization will continue to watch these figures "very closely," as future developments within the nation's economy "may not yet be full reflected in these numbers."

Another region to experience a rise in employment last month, despite the current economic recession, was Finland, YLE News reported yesterday.