The Rochester area unemployment rate fell again in May. It was at 5.1 percent, compared to the 5.7 percent rate at this time a year ago. The April rate was 5.2 percent.
State Labor Analyst Tammy Marino says the fact we saw an additional 7100 private sector jobs in May compared to a year ago, is reflected in those numbers.
"We certainly have more employers hiring and the employees that are hiring represent a very diverse group of employers and as a result, the local jobless rate fell to its lowest May level since before the onset of the recession."
Marino says another reason for the unemployment falling is the shrinking labor force. She says the number of people working in some age groups has been falling as more baby boomers retire.
The statewide unemployment rate in May was 5.7 percent.
