(RALEIGH) -- The number of people unemployed in North Carolina decreased to 9.9 percent in December, according to the latest figures from the State Division of Employment Security. This is down one-tenth of a percent from the November figure.

“Looking at the private sector over-the-year, we are seeing some moderate signs of improvement," said N.C. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll. "We remain committed to assisting our customers statewide with our programs and services available at our local offices.”

Since December 2010, seasonally adjusted private sector jobs have increased by 29,400. In 2011, leisure & hospitality had the largest job gain with 11,800. Total nonfarm industry employment decreased slightly by 4,400 but was up 19,600 for the year.

The decline to a jobless rate of 9.9 percent in December represents the first time since June that the North Carolina unemployment rate has been below 10 percent.