The number of unemployed in the capital region of America has risen. Washington region's unemployment rate has increased from 5.9 per cent to 6 per cent during the month of May, as per the data released by the federal government. This, fear some experts, is because of the slowdown in the hiring after an initial surge during the previous two months. During January and February months, the unemployment had peaked to 6.9 per cent. Looking at that, it has come down, however by a very small percentage.

Even the economists are hopeful that the figures will improve with the coming months. In fact, the District, Maryland and Virginia are the areas which have reported gains in employment rates, some of the fastest in US. But, on the other fear that the initial improvement, that was seen was because of the expectations from the economy, the recovery of which is faltering at many places and in select sectors. This may further pull down employment rates. This, say experts, should not be interpreted as lay-offs. It is happening because people are not being hired and not because they are being fired.