Unemployment Up in Huntington, Down in LI

Fewer Long Islanders found themselves unemployed in September, compared to a year ago. But at the same time, the private sector job count on Long Island fell.

That’s according to recent Labor Department statistics, the latest of which were released Tuesday.

Michael Crowell, an economist with the Labor Department in Hicksville, said that there might be several forces at play.

“Long Islanders may be finding jobs outside the region,” he said. Or, “they may be becoming discouraged and dropping out of the labor force.”

Those who are finding employment may now be working in New York City, which is adding jobs.

Unemployment in Suffolk County went down slightly in September, while unemployment in the Town of Huntington increased. In Huntington, the unemployment rate for September was 6 percent, up from 5.8 percent a month ago. It was 6.6 percent in September 2010. There were 6,200 Huntington residents listed as unemployed last month, compared to 6,100 in August, and 7,800 a year ago.

In Suffolk, the unemployment rate was 7 percent in September, down from 7.1 percent in August. It was at 7.3 percent in September 2010. There were 54,000 Suffolk County residents listed as unemployed in September, down from 55,400 in August, and 56,900 a year ago.

Meanwhile, the private sector job count across Long Island fell over the year by 8,100. Government employment – local school districts, in particular – took one of the biggest hits, declining by 4,700 jobs.

Construction proved to be a bright spot in September, adding 1,300 jobs. “It’s been losing jobs for three-plus years,” Crowell said. “The fact that it’s been coming back is hopeful.”

Healthcare is continuing to hire. So is the professional business services category, in which a subset including copy shops, collection agencies and repossession companies show the most growth, Crowell said.

Overall, Crowell said, “I’d rather unemployment be going down than up.”

As for job numbers, he added, “It doesn’t seem to indicate a recovery is in the works any time soon, unfortunately.”