New Jersey workforce climbs above 4 million

TRENTON (AP) — Newly released figures show New Jersey reached its highest level of employment in more than six years.

Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers released on Thursday indicate the state's workforce exceeded 4 million for first time since October 2008.

The data shows the state added 4,300 jobs in April, and New Jersey's unemployment rate held steady at 6.5 percent.

That's higher than the national rate of 5.4 percent for April. Though, the percentage of people working or looking for a job in New Jersey stood at 64.2 percent and outpaced the national rate of 62.8 percent.

Gov. Chris Christie pointed out in a statement the private sector has added 186,200 jobs since he became governor.

Christie is considering a run for the White House and could announce a decision in June.

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