⚫ NJ unemployment remains at a low number
⚫ Employment gains are recorded in several sectors
⚫ Nevertheless many NJ businesses still need workers


A lot of New Jersey businesses continue to report they are having a hard time hiring enough workers. Still, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the unemployment rate remains quite low, holding steady at 3.5%.

They report New Jersey’s labor market remained strong in April, with nonfarm employment increasing by 15,800 jobs to a seasonally adjusted level of 4,332,300, according to preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The job gains took place entirely in the private sector, which recorded a month-over-month increase of 15,900 jobs, while the public sector shed 100 jobs for the month. The labor force participation rate continued to rise, reaching 65.0% last month, the highest rate since June 2013.

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More NJ residents are working

According to the Labor Department, seven of the nine major private industry sectors experienced job growth in April. The sectors that recorded employment increases were:

• Professional business services (+7,600)

• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+3,600)

• Education and Health Services (+2,700)

• Leisure and hospitality (+1,200)

• Financial activities (+600)

• Construction (+300)

• Other services (+200)

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A few industries lost jobs

Sectors that recorded a loss were:

• Information (-300)

• Manufacturing (-100)

The New Jersey Labor Department also reports the March preliminary employment estimates were revised upward by 5,400, for a gain of 2,800 jobs from February to March. Preliminary estimates indicated a loss of 2,600 jobs.

David Matthau is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at david.matthau@townsquaremedia.com

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