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State’s employment picture brightens

Level is lowest since late 2008 ; More employers planning to hire

By Erin Ailworth

 |  Globe Staff  

  December 16, 2011

The Massachusetts unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in nearly three years last month as employers added jobs for the second consecutive month, building on recent signs that hiring might finally begin to accelerate. The state’s falling jobless rate comes amid several indicators that the state and national economies could be picking up, according to analysts: More large and small employers say they plan to hire. Online job advertisements have increased. And fewer people are applying for unemployment benefits

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