Staffing Industry Analysts (05/31/23)

Job openings rose in April when compared to March and reached their highest level since January, according to seasonally adjusted data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the other hand, separations — both quits and layoffs — fell in April when compared with March and were at their lowest levels since 2021.

ABC News reported the increase in job openings was unexpected and shows the strength of the US labor market. “Demand for workers is still strong, and the labor market is largely continuing to chug along nicely,” Nick Bunker, research director at the Indeed Hiring Lab, told the news organization.

There were 10.1 million job openings in the US in April, up by 358,000 jobs from March. However, there were 1.65 million fewer job openings in April when compared to the same month a year earlier.

Job openings increased in retail trade; healthcare and social assistance; and transportation, warehousing and utilities.

Total separations fell by 4.8% in April compared to March and were down 7.6% year over year. They were at their lowest level since May 2021. Separations includes both “quits,” or voluntary resignations, and layoffs and discharges.

Quits totaled nearly 3.8 million in April and were at their lowest level since March 2021. They were down by 49,000 from last month and down by 704,000 year over year.

Meanwhile, layoffs and discharges totaled 1.58 million in April and were down by 264,000 from March. However, the number of layoffs and discharges was up by 239,000 year over year.

This article originally appeared on staffingindustry.com. Use this link to see the full article: JOB OPENINGS RISE IN APRIL TO HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE JANUARY, BUT FEWER WORKERS QUITTING