New York’s private sector workforce grew modestly in May, adding nearly 12,000 jobs while the state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged, according to new figures released by the New York State Department of Labor.
Preliminary seasonally adjusted data show private sector employment increased by 11,800 jobs, or 0.1%, in May, bringing the total number of private sector jobs statewide to 8,470,900. The national private sector job growth rate matched New York’s at 0.1% for the month.
Compared to a year ago, New York gained 31,400 private sector jobs, a 0.4% increase. Nationally, private sector employment rose 0.5% over the same period.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.6% in May. Meanwhile, New York’s labor force declined by 11,400 people, though the labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 61.7%.
The Department of Labor said the employment estimates are based on monthly surveys of businesses and households conducted in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The report also included revisions to April’s employment figures. Total nonfarm payroll employment for April was revised upward by 9,300 jobs, from a previously reported decline of 10,600 jobs to a loss of 1,300 jobs. Private sector employment for April was also revised upward by 7,900 jobs, changing from a reported loss of 10,200 jobs to a decline of 2,300 jobs.
Labor officials noted that monthly employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as additional information becomes available from businesses and government agencies.
