State gains few jobs, unemployment steady

New York gained 100 private-sector jobs in April, but with a private sector job count of 7.3 million, New York is one of only five states that have more private-sector jobs now than they did before the recession, according to the state Labor Department.

“The statistics show New York grew and continues to grow jobs in the private sector, and we are seeing that growth reflected in the number of job seekers returning to work,” state Department of Labor Deputy Director of the Division of Research and Statistics Bohdan Wynnyk said in a news release. “In April, the number of unemployed state residents fell by 3,000.”

The state had 807,700 unemployed workers in April.

The Utica-Rome area was one of the highest ranking areas across the state in terms of job growth in April. Over the past year, that area added 3,100 nonfarm jobs and 3,000 private-sector jobs.

The Binghamton region also showed strong growth, adding 2,300 nonfarm jobs and 2,900 private-sector jobs. The Syracuse area gained jobs as well, adding 2,900 nonfarm jobs and 900 private-sector jobs.

The state’s unemployment rate was 8.5 percent in April, unchanged from March and up from 8 percent a year ago.

The nation’s unemployment rate was 8.1 percent, down from 8.2 percent in March and 9 percent last April.

Contact DeLore at tgregory@tmvbj.com