Obama to hold jobs forum in December

The President announces White House will convene a meeting of business leaders, economists and labor representatives to brainstorm about job creation.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- President Obama, facing a 10.2% unemployment rate, said Thursday he would hold a jobs forum at the White House in December.

He noted the encouraging signs of economic growth and a slowing of the loss of jobs in recent months, but said employers are still reluctant to hire and millions are desperate to find work.

"Even though we've slowed the loss of jobs -- and today's report on the continued decline in unemployment claims is a hopeful sign -- the economic growth that we've seen has not yet led to the job growth that we desperately need," the President said in a statement delivered at the White House.

"We all know that there are limits to what government can and should do, even during such difficult times. But we have an obligation to consider every additional responsible step that we can to encourage and accelerate job creation in this country," he added.

Those invited to the forum will include CEOs, small business owners, economists, financial experts, and representatives from labor and non-profits.

The forum will be held against a background of highly mixed economic news.