Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Total nonfarm payroll employment rose in April by 165,000, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 7.5 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
The unemployment rate changed little in April but has declined by 0.4 percentage point since January. The number of unemployed persons, at 11.7 million, was also little changed over the month; however, unemployment has decreased by 673,000 since January.
In the retail industry, employment increased by 29,000 in April and at an average rate of 21,000 jobs per month over the past year.
“(This indicates) that retailers remain cautious but are seeing signs of an improving economy, and as a result, added to their payrolls heading into the summer,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “While the overall impact of the payroll tax increase and sequester remain a significant concern, unease over taxes and spending and the upcoming debate on the debt ceiling in Congress may once again stymie business investment and consumer spending,”
In construction, employment changes were minimal, while manufacturing was unchanged in April. The construction industry gained an average of 27,000 jobs per month over the past 6 months.
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