The state unemployment rate for September was 9.8 percent, down from 9.9 percent the prior month, according to the state.
New Jersey added 1,100 jobs in the private sector but the public sector dipped by 2,300 workers, according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Preliminary estimates indicate that total nonfarm wage and salary employment in New Jersey decreased in September, down by 1,200 jobs, to a seasonally adjusted 3,905,400, the state reported.
“While New Jersey’s job market in September still showed the effect of the summer doldrums apparent in the national figures these last few months, there are positive signs,” said Charles Steindel, Chief Economist for the Treasury Department.
The state’s private sector grew by 41,600 jobs from September 2011 to September 2012, the state reported.
The state reported that based on more complete reporting from employers, previous gains estimated for August were revised lower by 3,000 jobs to show an over-the-month (July-August) total nonfarm employment gain of 2,300 jobs. Preliminary estimates had indicated an over-the-month gain of 5,300 jobs.
The state attributed the dip in public-sector jobs to cutbacks at the local government level.
