New York State Unemployment Rate Hits Record Low

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level since the current system of record-keeping began in 1976.

The new numbers, released on Thursday by state labor officials, show New York's jobless rate fell to 3.9 percent in November, down from 4 percent the month before.

The number of unemployed New Yorkers fell to slightly more than 379,000 last month, the lowest level since 1988.

Job gains were greatest in the educational and health services industries, followed by leisure and hospitality. Publishing and telecommunications and manufacturing sectors posted declines.

Of the state's metropolitan areas, Ithaca saw the greatest job gains.

The state's unemployment rate is still slightly above the national average in November of 3.7 percent.