US job openings rose to 7.5 million in September, according to figures released on November 3 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Reuters reported an increase of 333,000 to 7.523 million, offering a sign of firmer demand for workers in the world's largest economy.
The agency nevertheless described vacancies as little changed, with an openings rate of 4.5%. Its JOLTS survey covers nonfarm employers. Vacancies measure unfilled positions on the month's last business day, while hiring and departures cover the entire month.
Hiring reached 5.4 million, with a rate of 3.4%, the bureau said. Accommodation and food services added 158,000 hires. Total departures stood at 5.3 million and their rate held at 3.3%; these figures track movements onto and off payrolls rather than net job creation.
Voluntary resignations increased to 3.4 million, while their rate was little changed at 2.1%. Accommodation and food services recorded 197,000 more quits, but arts, entertainment and recreation registered 19,000 fewer. The bureau says resignations can indicate workers' willingness or ability to leave jobs.
Layoffs and discharges stood at 1.6 million, with a rate of 1.0%, both described by the agency as little changed. Health care and social assistance recorded a decline of 70,000. AP cautioned that several months of improvement would be needed to establish a sustained hiring recovery.
The bureau revised August vacancies upward by 111,000 to about 7.2 million, reflecting additional employer reports and recalculated seasonal factors. September's figures therefore remain a snapshot rather than proof of a lasting turn. The next JOLTS release, covering October, is scheduled for December 1 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.
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