United States Department of Labor Releases January Job Numbers
United States Department of Labor's January Jobs Report
Employers across the U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January, topping economists' forecasts in a sign the labor market remains resilient.
By the Numbers
- Economists had forecasted a monthly payroll gain of only 75,000.
- Health care sector hiring was strongest, with 82,000 jobs added.
- Social assistance also saw 42,000 payroll gains.
- Federal government and financial activities experiences significant job losses.
Unemployment Rate and Revisions
The unemployment rate in January was 4.3%, down from 4.4% in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The report showed major revisions for last year, reducing job creation figures to just 181,000, the weakest since 2020.
Delays and Insights
The January jobs report was delayed due to the partial government shutdown, originally scheduled for January 6.
Accompanying these numbers, other reports suggested a slowdown in job openings, while unemployment claims increased significantly.
Layoffs Surge
Layoffs across the U.S. surged to their highest level for January since 2009, with companies like Amazon and UPS announcing substantial job cuts.
Expert Opinions
Despite the positive job figures, experts caution that lingering uncertainties from 2025 could hinder future economic stability.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.