| Forty-three states still have fewer jobs than they did before the Great Recession began, according to U.S.Labor Department data. The figure is a reminder of how weak the nation’s job market remains. Nevada, Arizona and Florida _hard-hit by the housing bust _ are furthest behind. North Dakota, Alaska, and Texas, which have benefited from an oil boom, have gained the highest percentage of jobs. |
| Here are the five states with the biggest losses in June 2012, compared to December 2007, and the five states with the biggest gains: |
| States with biggest losses |
| Nevada -12.4% |
| Arizona -8.2% |
| Florida -7.8% |
| Alabama -7.3% |
| Mississippi -6.5% |
| States with the biggest gains |
| North Dakota 15.7% |
| Alaska 3.8% |
| Texas 2.4% |
| South Dakota 0.8% |
| Louisiana 0.6% |