"' The nation's unemployment rate fell to 7 percent in July, its lowest level in more than a year, the Labor Department reported yesterday.</br></br>The unemployment drop, from percent in June, came as a surprise to many economists, since other indicators have pointed to a slowdown in the economy.</br></br>The unemployment decrease was attributed to a large increase in the number of jobs last month. The Labor Department reported an increase of 570,000 jobs, with more than 100.000 new jobs added in manufacturing.</br></br>Janet L. Norwood, commissioner of labor statistics, said the figures show ?ÛÏthe first large increase in several months.?Û? despite expectations that unemployment would rise as the economy slows.</br></br>""it looks like employers are not lotting people go.?Û? Norwood said. ""Hither they don?Ûªt feel the decline or they are waiting to see."""