Key facts
- US job openings increased by 660,000 to 9.9 million in April.
- This marks the largest monthly increase in job openings since July 2021.
- Hiring declined to 3.8 million in April from 4 million in March.
- Layoffs saw a slight decrease.
- The quits rate fell to a near six-year low in April.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that job openings surged by 660,000 to 9.9 million in April, marking the most significant monthly increase since July 2021. This rise in available positions, particularly in professional and business services, occurred despite a slowdown in actual hiring, which fell to 3.8 million from 4 million in March. Layoffs also decreased slightly, and the quits rate hit a near six-year low. Economists suggest the increase in openings may overstate the labor market's strength, potentially indicating economic uncertainty.