The number of people leaving their jobs inched down at the beginning of the new year, with 4.3 million quits in January, according to BLS data released today. This is only a -151,000 change from December.
There were 11.3 million open jobs, as of January’s last business day.
Where job openings increased
- Other services (+136,000)
- Durable goods manufacturing (+85,000)
- Finance and insurance (+56,000)
- Professional and business services (+44,000)
- Nondurable goods manufacturing (+25,000)
Where job openings decreased
- Accommodations and food services (-288,000)
- Transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-132,000)
- Federal government (-60,000)
- Educational services (-32,000)
- Healthcare and social assistance (-26,000)
Net employment increased over the past year — there were 76.4 million hires and 70.0 million separations (including quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations), reflecting a total net employment gain of 6.4 million.
