US job openings at 8.06M in April, lower than expectations

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - US job openings stood at approximately 8.06 million in April, according to Labor Department figures released Tuesday.

The figure came lower than market expectations of 8.37 million.

Job openings for March were revised down to 8.35 million from 8.49 million.

In April, the number of hires was little changed around 5.6 million and its rate held at 3.6%.

Total separations, which include quits, layoffs, and discharges, also remained little changed around 5.4 million, with its rate steady at 3.4%.

Around 3.5 million workers left their jobs in the world's largest economy during the month of March, while its rate was 2.2% for the sixth consecutive month, the agency said.

The Labor Department's survey measures job vacancies by collecting data from employers about employment, job openings, hiring, and separations.

The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS, considers job openings for all positions that are open or not filled on the last business day of the month when the survey is conducted.