A report released by the New York City comptroller's office Monday says African-Americans are losing their jobs four times faster than other ethnic groups.

Economists say the unemployment disparity could be caused by the dwindling job opportunities in the retail and manufacturing industries, which employ a large number of minority workers.

Comptroller William J. Thompson, who is the Democratic candidate for mayor, says Mayor Bloomberg has not done enough to replace lost jobs. Bloomberg says his office is working with community and religious groups to place thousands of workers, most of whom are African-American, in new positions.