Thursday, October 1, 2026
Although the unemployment rates in both Nassau County and New York state have decreased in the past year, the scarcity of jobs continues to be a serious economic issue on Long Island.
Nassau County’s unemployment rate is currently 6.8 percent — as of July, the Department of Labor’s most current statistics — which is down from 7.2 percent in 2010. The number of unemployed county residents is likely much higher, however, since the Department of Labor does not count those who have stopped looking for jobs.
The state’s unemployment rate is higher than the county’s, at 8 percent — down from 8.6 in July 2010.
In an effort to address the unemployment crisis, State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) and Nassau County Community College hosted a free jobs workshop last Saturday at the Elmont Memorial Library. More than 400 residents of Elmont, Floral Park, Franklin Square and other communities attended.
The workshop focused on writing résumés and cover letters, identifying job opportunities, practicing interview strategies, networking and dressing for interviews. There were sessions tailored to a wide variety of job seekers, including high school and college students as well as those with many years in the work force. A roundtable discussion offered insight from employers and experts.
Classes ran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and attendees began lining up at 8 a.m. Throughout the day, the library received calls from people who asked whether the workshop could be extended.
“The turnout today really shows us how important the jobs crisis is on Long Island,” Martins said. “I wish we had nobody in the room. The reality is that people lined the walls and were in the hallway, listening to the speakers and participating.”
A networking event took place after the workshop, and the Elmont, Franklin Square and Floral Park chambers of commerce participated.
Darian Bryan, 21, of Elmont, said he attended the workshop in the hope of finding a job related to politics or the law. Bryan, who graduated from SUNY Old Westbury in May with a bachelor’s degree in politics and economics, said he has been doing some part-time work but has not yet been able to find a full-time position.
