1.   The deteriorating labor market caused a surge last month in the number of people who had lost their jobs months ago and were still unable to find new work.

2.   Analysts said statistical quirks contributed to the deteriorating labor market, but added there is no doubt a slowing economy is threatening to put more people out of work.

3.   But additional steps may be taken to address the deteriorating labor market, he said.

4.   Consumers also felt worse about their present economic situation, though Franco said the data still suggests that consumer spending will hold up despite the deteriorating labor market.

5.   Consumers felt better about their present economic situation, however, suggesting that consumer spending should hold up in spite of the deteriorating labor market, Franco said.

6.   On Friday, the official monthly jobs report showed a deteriorating labor market for October.

7.   The biggest contributor was an increase in weekly first-time claims for unemployment benefits, a sign of a deteriorating labor market.

8.   The Clinton administration and private analysts said the deteriorating labor picture was cause for concern, although few predicted the economy was headed for a tailspin.

9.   He said the deteriorating labor market was no longer a drag on recovery as consumer sentiment was beginning to improve.