New Jersey unemployment rate down slightly as gains elsewhere offset losses at closed casinos

New Jersey's unemployment rate has dropped a tick for September as hiring elsewhere more than offset jobs lost as three Atlantic City casinos closed.

The figures released by the state are based on preliminary federal surveys of businesses and households for September.

They show New Jersey's unemployment rate at 6.5 percent for September. That's the same rate as July but one-tenth of a percentage point below the August rate.

Overall data show public sector employment was up by 6,700 jobs compared with August, largely because of hiring by schools.

Private sector employment fell by 6,200 jobs overall. The leisure and hospitality industry lost 8,700 positions.

One casino closed Aug. 31 and two more shut their doors last month.