The unemployment rate in New Jersey went up in November, according to estimates by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that were cited by the state Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Total nonfarm wage and salary employment in the state increased by 7,200, reaching a seasonally adjusted level of 4.21 million. The unemployment rate also moved higher by 0.2 percentage points to 3.4% for the month, below the national average of 3.5%.
“While New Jersey’s labor market typically strengthens in the fall months, our condition relative to our neighboring competitive states is not distinguishably superior,” Regina M. Egea, president, Garden State Initiative, said.
Looking year-over-year (November 2018-2019) employment in the state was higher by 34,300 jobs. Gains were seen in the private sector (+36,400) but lost in the public (-2,100). Since February 2010, which is the low point of the last recession, private sector employers in New Jersey have added 421,900 jobs.
In November, job increases were seen in five out of the nine major private industry sectors, including:
- Leisure and hospitality, (+3,800);
- Trade, transportation and utilities (+3,300);
- Manufacturing (+2,300);
- Education and health services (+1,000);
- Financial activities (+700).
Sectors with job losses included:
- Other services (-1,000);
- Information (-800);
- Construction (-700); and
- Professional and business services (-600).
