The over the year picture is positive in the lower Hudson Valley Putnam-Rockland-Westchester labor market area, where private sector job count in December rose 0.9 percent or 4,400 jobs.

As was the case last month, growth in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam County is supported by a strong educational and health care sector, up 2.0 percent, or 2,400 jobs. Trade, transportation and utilities also came in fairly strong, up by 1.5 percent or 1,700 jobs over the period, aided by strong hiring in retail trade.

For the 12-month period ending in December 2013, private sector employment in the Hudson Valley Region was relatively unchanged (increased by 0.1 percent or 600 jobs).

Employment gains were strongest in the following industries: trade, transportation and utilities (+2,300), other services (+700) and financial activities (+300).

Meanwhile, job losses were most apparent in manufacturing (-1,600), followed by information and leisure and hospitality – both down 400 respectively, and natural resources, mining and construction (-300). The government sector shed 2,700 jobs over the year.

In December 2013, the regional private sector job growth continued to expand, albeit at a slower pace – particularly over the past three months. Through the first nine months of the year, private sector employment in the region grew on average by about 1.1 percent, year over year.

Meanwhile, over the last three months (from October to December), growth in that sector was flat.