U.S. job openings hold steady

by Wally Northway

Published: September 14,2009

Tags: employment, federal agency, recession, unemployment

On the last business day of July, the number of job openings in the U.S. was little changed at a series low level of 2.4 million, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reports.

The hires rate was little changed and remained low at 3.1 percent in July. The total separations rate remained at a series low of 3.3 percent.

The job openings rate was little changed in July at a rate of 1.8 percent. The number of job openings has fallen by 2.4 million, or 50 percent, since the most recent peak in June 2007. The job openings rate was little changed in July in every industry except retail where the rate declined.

The hires level was little changed at 4.1 million in July but has declined by 1.6 million, or 28 percent, since the most recent peak in July 2006. The hires rate was 3.1 percent in July and little changed from June.

The total separations, or turnover, rate was unchanged in July and remained low at 3.3 percent. The total separations rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased over the 12 months ending in July for total nonfarm, total private, and government.

The quits rate was little changed in July at 1.3 percent. The quits level was 1.7 million in July, which is 45 percent lower than the most recent peak in December 2006.

Close this Window Bookmark and Share This Page

Save to Browser Favorites / Bookmarks