Unemployment in New Jersey edges up in June

TRENTON -- June's unemployment rate in New Jersey increased two-tenths from May to .1 percent.

The state Labor Department on Thursday released figures showing the state lost 6,500 jobs last month. The department says the estimates reflect a 45-day strike by 5,000 Verizon workers returned to work on June 1.

There were 4,346,900 residents employed in June.

Private sector jobs grew by 22,000 in June, reflecting the best month for private sector job growth since February 2010. The public sector lost 1,900 jobs.

Treasury Department chief economist James Wooster says the job gains are broad-based covering virtually every economic sector.

June was the fourth straight month that the unemployment rate ticked up in New Jersey. The state rate is above the national level of 4.9 percent.

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