1) The estimates are on a resident based concept and are derived from the annual averages of the monthly data obtained from the Current Population Survey (CPS) which is a sample survey of the civilian noninstitional population age 16 and above. The survey is conducted each month by the Bureau of the Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Sample responses are used to develop monthly estimates of civilian labor force, resident employment and number of unemployed. These data are as originally published by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Subsequent annual population controls, reflecting updated estimates of population, and, if necessary, adjustments due to immigration and emigration have not been applied. As a result, the employment and unemployment levels are not totally consistent from year to year. Differences, however, are usually less than one percent. Ratios and proportions are generally unaffected.

2) Due to the lack of updated population controls, these data may not precisely match the official total employment and unemployment data produced under the official Local Area Unemployment Statistics program.

3) As a result of the redesign of the CPS in January 1994, data for 1994 and forward may not be fully comparable with data for prior years.

4) Because the estimates are based on a sample rather than a complete census of the population, they are subject to sampling error. See the U.S. Department of Labor's annual publication Geographic Profile of Employment and Unemployment - Appendix B for estimates of sampling error.

5) Users should refer to Technical Note #1 for more information about the development of monthly state labor force estimates. The note can be found under "Labor Force Estimates"on the Labor Market Information - Economics section of the Labor Planning and Analysis web site.

6) Users should note that these data differ from an alternate series of employment called the Current Employment Survey (CES). The CES survey is used to develop estimates of nonfarm wage and salary employment by place of work.

For further information on obtaining these publications please contact the BLS Publication Sales Center :

Phone: (312) 353-1880
Fax  : (312) 353-1886

    Or Write to:                                      Source:
    Bureau of Labor Statistics                        New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
    Publication Sales Center                          Labor Market and Demographic Research
    P.O. Box 2145                                     Local Area Unemployment Statistics
    Chicago, IL 60690                                 April 15, 2004