Phoenix-area private sector jobs up from February but down from 2007

Private sector employment in the Phoenix metro area increased by 6,200 positions in March versus February but has lost 17,600 positions over the past 12 months, according to new state job figures.

The region's private sector accounted for 1.66 million jobs in March, according to the Arizona Department of Commerce. That is up from February but down from March 2007.

Construction shed 20,100 jobs over the last year and the financial services sector has lost 4,900 positions as the regional economy battles the slow housing market.

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The tourism sector added 3,000 jobs over the last year and 2,700 positions between February and March of this year.

The local jobless rate stands at 3.5 percent, unchanged from February and below the Arizona and national rates of 4.0 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively.