The number of private sector jobs in New York state increased over the month of December by 5,800, or 0.1%, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the state Department of Labor.

The number of private sector jobs in the U.S. also increased by 0.1% last month.

The report found that private sector jobs, not seasonally adjusted, increased by 49,200, or 0.6%, over the year in December 2023, which was less than the 1.6% increase in the number of private sector jobs nationwide.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.3% in November to 4.5% in December while the state's labor force, seasonally adjusted, decreased by 7,500. Consequently, the statewide labor force participation rate decreased from 61.7% in November to 61.6% in December, the report said.

The number of private sector jobs in New York is based on a payroll survey of businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.3% in November to 4.5% in December while New York City’s unemployment rate increased from 5.3% to 5.4%.