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Unemployment up slightly, but the number of jobs also increases

The latest numbers on jobs show continued improvement in the Rochester area  even if the unemployment rate went up slightly compared to a year ago.

That according to NYS Labor Analyst Tammy Marino who says the October unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, compared to 4.7 percent in September and 4.5 percent in October of last year.

The number of private sector jobs grew by 400 compared to a year ago.

Marino says overall, we are still seeing solid growth in the local job market.

“The local unemployment rate did inch up very slightly over the past 12 months, however we continue to have a job market that’s expanding , more employers are hiring and just seeing a lot of general improvement in the local job market.”

Marino says there are the usual seasonal changes in the local economy, with retail jobs rising and construction activity winding down.

Statewide, the unemployment rate was 5.2 percent compared to 4.9 percent in October of 2015.

Marino says area retailers are expected to hire more 5,000 workers  for the holiday season.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.