State jobless rate stays low despite loss of jobs

California’s unemployment rate remained at a record-low 4.3 percent in March, despite the loss of 7,200 non-agricultural jobs, according to data released Friday.

Eight of the state’s 11 economic sectors lost jobs last month, including construction, which lost 4,400 jobs, and trade, transportation and utilities, which dropped 1,900 jobs, the state Employment Development Department reported.

The statewide decline was the first in nearly two years. In addition, the department severely downgraded its February jobs creation number, from its original estimate of 14,000 to a mere 1,200.

The department’s monthly jobless report was not all bad. California has added more than 2.8 million jobs since the economic recovery began in February 2010.

Nationwide, unemployment was 4.1 percent in March, as the nation’s employers added approximately 103,000 jobs, lower than expected.

In the Inland Empire, unemployment was 4.1 percent in March, well below the department’s estimate one year ago of 5.4 percent. Riverside County’s jobless rate last month was 4.2 percent, while San Bernardino County recorded 3.9 percent unemployment, according to the department.