Los Angeles County’s unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in November, up slightly from 5.1 percent in October.

The 5.3 percent figure is substantially higher than the 4.4 percent mark from one year earlier.

According to the report from the California Employment Development Department, the category of trade, transportation, and utilities posted the largest month-to-month gain, adding 11,300 jobs. Nearly all that growth was in the retail sector (10,300 jobs) due to the gear-up for the holiday season.

Leisure and hospitality dropped 1,600 jobs, which was the sector with the largest month-to-month decline. The losses were mostly in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector, which lost 1,400 jobs.

Between November 2006 and November 2007, total nonfarm employment grew by 30,400 jobs, or 0.7 percent, the report said.

“We’re keeping a close eye on consumer spending,” spokesman Brad Kemp said. “If a downturn comes, it will probably be because the wallets eventually shut.”

Health care and social assistance was up 8,800 for the year.

“This is the sector that is going to see the largest growth over the next decade,” Kemp added.