The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on job openings and labor turnover (JOLTS) showed openings rose more than expected to 5.9 million in June. Hires decreased to 6.7 million, though still came in at the second highest level ever recorded.
Forecasts for job openings ranged from a low of 4.9 million to 5.5 million. The consensus forecast was just 5.29 million.
Quits and total separations also rose, however. Total separations rose to 4.8 million. Within separations, the quits rate rose to 1.9% while the layoffs and discharges rate was unchanged at 1.4%.
The BLS stated those gains are the result of a limited resumption of economic activity following the efforts to “slow the spread” of coronavirus (COVID-19) in March and April.
This article and accompanying chart are being updated.
