New Jersey's unemployment rate for April fell to its lowest level in five years, and more people are getting "back into the game" in the state's economy.

Unemployment Rate
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State labor commissioner Hal Wirths said in April, the Garden State's jobless rate dropped to 6.9 percent, down from 7.2 percent in March. It's a turnaround from "soft" hiring over the past few months, which Wirths attributes to the weather.

"It was a very, very harsh winter, and I think that definitely played a role in the economy across the board," he said. "So I think that hopefully now, we see things turning."

The state added 4,500 workers to payrolls in April. Leisure and hospitality, trade, transportation and utilities saw the biggest hiring during the month. Overall, 125,700 private sector jobs have been added in New Jersey since the recession's low point for employment early in 2010.

Wirths also touted the state's labor participation rate, which is currently a full percentage point higher than the national average.

For the Department of Labor & Workforce Development's full release, click here.

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