Job numbers hit all-time high

Despite a sluggish economy, the state”™s private sector job count reached an all time-high in March.

According to figures released by the State Department of Labor, New York state added 14,100 private sector jobs in March, with a private sector job count of 7,426,100.

The state”™s unemployment rate fell from 8.4 percent in February to 8.2 percent in March.

In the seven-county Hudson Valley region, private sector employment increased 0.8 percent year to year, adding 5,700 jobs. Professional and business services added 2,800 jobs, and trade, transportation and utilities added 2,700. Construction shed 1,600 jobs, while manufacturing shed 1,200 jobs.

The regional job market continues to expand, albeit at a slower pace than last year. Last year, the sector grew by 1.9 percent or 13,500 jobs.