Energy prices slide as employment numbers dip

Energy prices fell for a second consecutive day Friday as the U.S. reported a sharp plunge in jobs.

Crude and gasoline price have risen sharply for more than a week with economic data suggesting that manufacturing activity has accelerated across the globe.

Yet if the job picture remains gloomy, it is unlikely that higher energy prices can be sustained.

Benchmark crude fell 42 cents to $82.24 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after closing down 52 cents on Thursday.

U.S. companies shed 85,000 jobs last month, more than expected, and the numbers would have been worse if more people had been looking for work. Many have left …