The U.S. economy had a net gain of just 54,000 jobs in May, while the unemployment rate rose slightly.

Friday’s report from the Labor Department shows the jobless rate rose one-tenth of a percent to hit 9.1 percent.

Economists say at least 200,000 jobs need to be created each month to bring the jobless rate back down to pre-recession levels.

May’s disappointing figures follow recent reports suggesting the economic recovery has stalled. On Thursday for example, a report showed the number people applying for jobless benefits stayed at a high level.