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New Jersey's unemployment rate ticked up to 6.6 percent in October. (AFP/Getty Images)

(AFP/Getty Images)

TRENTON — New Jersey shed 4,500 jobs in October and the unemployment rated ticked back up to 6.6 percent, but revised numbers painted a better-than-expected job picture for September, according to the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The state lost 2,400 public sector and 2,100 private sector jobs, led by decreases in construction and professional and business services, the statistics show. The gain for September, however, was adjusted to 3,000 jobs, up from the initial report of 600.

The unemployment rate rose 0.1 percent, to 6.6 percent, in October. Nationwide, the country gained 214,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate edged down to 5.8 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Since October last year, New Jersey has gained 9,200 jobs, led by an increase of 10,700 in the private sector and offset by a loss of 1,500 in the public sector. Areas leading the gain include education and health services, and trade, transportation and utilities.

The largest losers have been construction and leisure and hospitality, which reflects the closing of several casinos in Atlantic City.

Christopher Baxter may be reached at cbaxter@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cbaxter1. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.