New state labor data released Thursday showed a drop in payroll jobs in February even as the unemployment rate ticked down slightly, with losses concentrated in construction, professional and business services, and trade, transportation, and utilities.
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – New Jersey lost 10,300 jobs in February, bringing total seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment to 4,373,700, according to the state’s latest employment report. At the same time, the statewide unemployment rate fell from 5.2% in January to 5.1% in February.
The biggest monthly losses were in construction (-5,900), professional and business services (-2,600), and trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,900). The sectors that added jobs were leisure and hospitality (+1,800), private education and health services (+1,200), and other services (+1,000). The state said March figures are scheduled for release on April 30.