Unemployment at 9.5% - and stll climbing (updated)

Job losses were widespread among the construction, manufacturing and business and professional services sectors.The losses were sharply higher than economists' expectations of 365,000 lost jobs.

Economists said a decline of 322,000 jobs in May had raised expectations that the market was bottoming out as the economy struggled to right itself, but the numbers on Friday dashed some of those hopes.

The figures also raised questions about whether the Obama administration, which has already passed a $787 billion stimulus plan, needed to step in again to shore up the American worker.

"The stimulus has probably stabilized income, but it has not moved the economy forward," said John E. Silvia, chief economist at Wachovia Corporation. "It's a finger in the dike. But in terms of getting the economy going, there's no evidence of that yet."

The latest figures highlight a somber new reality for workers, economists said. The numbers were released a day early because of the Fourth of July holiday.

As the recession enters its 20th month, private wages and salaries are falling, working hours are dwindling and more people are without work. In essence, economists say, months of deep, broad job losses are effectively making unemployment a way of life for millions.