The national unemployment rate ticked up slightly in October to 7.9 percent according to figures released this morning.

The rise in the jobless rate came despite the addition of 171,000 jobs in October.  Despite the increase, the number of unemployed rose to 12.25 million, up from 12.08 million in September.

According to the release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hurricane Sandy, which pummeled the East Coast beginning Oct. 28, had no effect on the rate of unemployment.

"Household survey data collection was completed before the storm and establishment survey data collection rates were within normal ranges nationally and for the affected areas," the release from BLS said.

Professional and business services added 51,000 jobs in October, while retail trade added 36,000 and healthcare added 31,000 jobs.  Construction employment ticked up by 17,000 jobs.