New Jersey's unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.6% in November, as the state added 3,100 nonfarm jobs between October and November, according to data from the state Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Employment gains were noted in six out of nine private industries. Education and health services saw an increase of 5,700 jobs, leisure and hospitality added 2,000 positions, construction grew by 1,400 jobs, while financial activities and other services each increased by 200 jobs. Manufacturing recorded a smaller gain with an addition of 100 jobs.
Conversely, some sectors experienced job losses. Trade, transportation, and utilities saw a decrease of 3,500 positions. Professional and business services lost 2,800 jobs, while the information sector reduced by 1,000 positions. The public sector experienced growth with an addition of 700 jobs for November.
Over the past year, New Jersey has seen an increase of 38,400 nonfarm jobs with approximately 80% coming from the private sector. Gains were observed in four out of nine private industries since November last year. Private education and health services led with a significant increase of 45,600 jobs. Construction followed with an additional 7,100 positions; trade, transportation and utilities added another 5,300; and other services saw an increase of 1,100 jobs.
However, several sectors recorded losses over the same period. Professional and business services faced a decline of 11,900 positions; information lost 6,300; leisure and hospitality decreased by 6,000; financial activities reduced by 2,300; and manufacturing fell by 1,800.
The public sector reported a gain of 7,500 jobs over the past twelve months.
