November reports solid job growth in state

Nevada businesses generated more new jobs this November than any of the past five Novembers.

Terry Johnson, director of the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, said 2,600 of the 4,400 new jobs were in the retail industry. Those were somewhat offset by the loss of about 900 construction jobs as cold weather set in.

By producing a significant number of jobs last month, businesses demonstrated their confidence in the economy and the 2006 shopping season, said Johnson.

He said the growth in retail wasn't really a surprise but that it "shows that the season's employment growth has not been negatively impacted by the housing slump as some economists had predicted."

There was also solid growth in other industries like professional and business services, Johnson said.

Johnson said 2006 overall was a good year for Nevada, and he feels positive about 2007's economy.

"Nevada has added 58,000 jobs since last November and has seen continued low employment rates throughout the year," he said. "With a number of major projects on the horizon and more and more industries moving to Nevada, 2007 looks very positive."

The state's unadjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in November.

That is up a bit from the 3.7 percent unadjusted rate a year ago.

The Reno-Sparks area and Elko were lowest at 3.7 percent this year. Of all reporting areas, Carson City was highest with 4.6 percent unemployment for the month - up four-tenths from a year ago.

The total labor force in the state is now more than 1.3 million with just 53,800 out of work.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.