Washington - The US unemployment rate rose to 5.1 per cent in March, the US government said Friday, adding another figure to the overall declining economic picture in the country.

The US Department of Labour said payroll employment had declined by 232,000, particularly in the construction, manufacturing and employment services branches.

The number of unemployed rose by 434,000, to 7.8 million. The unemployment rate in February was 4.8 per cent. (dpa)