The Labor Department reported September job openings rose to 7.5 million
U.S. job openings jumped to 7.5 million in September from a revised 7.19 million in August, the Labor Department reported Tuesday, the highest level since May. The department’s survey also showed gross hiring rose and layoffs fell. Openings rose most in professional and business services; manufacturers, shipping firms, and state and local governments also advertised for more workers.
More context
September openings reached 7.5 million, up from a revised August figure of 7.19 million, Labor Department data showed Tuesday, while layoffs fell and gross hiring increased. Gross hiring counts job gains before subtracting people who quit or lost jobs. Openings were at their highest level since May and above a recent low of 6.9 million in March. The increase was largest in professional and business services, which includes engineering, accounting and temporary jobs. State and local governments joined manufacturers and shipping firms in seeking additional workers. Nicole Bachaud, a labor economist at ZipRecruiter, cautioned that persistent inflation and higher interest rates since the summer could limit companies’ ability to increase hiring in coming months. Reuters said the figures supported economists’ view that the labor market was on firmer footing.
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Reporting
- The Seattle Times (with Associated Press) — US job postings jumped sharply in September, potentially a good sign for anyone seeking employment | The Seattle Times
- Reuters — US job openings increase sharply in September
- abc27.com (with Associated Press) — US job postings jumped sharply in September, a sign hiring could pick up
Verifier’s note
The Seattle Times and ABC27 report that U.S. job openings rose sharply in September, and Reuters independently reports the same increase. The reported rise matches the proposed event and its timing.