The addition of 8400 jobs in NSW in January shows the state is holding its own in testing national and global circumstances, state Treasurer Mike Baird says.
The latest ABS Labour Force figures released on Thursday show the unemployment rate in NSW steady at 5.8 per cent, despite a rise in the national rate to 6 per cent in January from 5.8 per cent in December.
"While employment fell by 3700 jobs nationally, we were able to add 8400 jobs in NSW, more than were created in any other state," Mr Baird said in a statement.
"I am encouraged by these numbers, which show the labour market in NSW holding its own in testing national and global circumstances."
Mr Baird said NSW continued to have the second-lowest unemployment rate among the states, after Western Australia.
"Given the significant economic headwinds we are facing, these numbers confirm that people in NSW are feeling more confident about looking for jobs and they are finding them."
NSW business conditions were at their highest level in more than two and a half years and with the latest jobs figures should provide a base for increased investment in coming months, Mr Baird said.
