Unemployment edges downward in New Jersey

While public sector employment fell because of fewer temporary census workers, jobs were added in the private sector.

The unemployment rate in New Jersey fell to 9.6 percent in June. It was the second straight monthly decline.

A separate survey shows overall employment declined by 19-hundred jobs.

While public sector employment fell because of fewer temporary census workers, jobs were added in the private sector.

New Jersey Business and Industry Association President Phil Kirschner says business conditions need to improve before companies really boost the pace of hiring.

“It is going to take more orders and a consistent uptick in their sales and orders,” Kirschner said. “What we are seeing now is still too much volatility. People will tell you they have had two very good months and then two bad months for no particular reason.”

Rutgers University economists say it may take until the year 2018 for New Jersey to recover the number of jobs lost during the recession.