In November, total nonfarm payroll employment in the United States increased by 199,000, with a corresponding decrease in the unemployment rate to 3.7 percent, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job gains were notable in health care, government, and manufacturing, the latter reflecting the return of workers from a strike. However, there was a decline in employment in retail trade.
The household survey data revealed that the unemployment rate edged down to 3.7 percent, with little change in the number of unemployed persons at 6.3 million. Various demographic groups, including teenagers and adults of different genders and ethnicities, showed little or no change in their jobless rates. The number of long-term unemployed individuals decreased, accounting for 18.3 percent of all unemployed persons.
The employment-population ratio increased, and the labor force participation rate remained relatively stable. Part-time employment for economic reasons decreased, while the number of individuals not in the labor force but wanting a job remained consistent. The number of marginally attached individuals and discouraged workers showed little change.
In terms of the establishment survey data, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 199,000 jobs, slightly below the average monthly gain over the past 12 months. Job gains were observed in health care, government, and manufacturing, particularly in motor vehicles and parts. Employment in leisure and hospitality, social assistance, and information also saw positive trends. However, retail trade employment declined, and certain industries like transportation and warehousing experienced little change or a slight decrease in employment.
Average hourly earnings for all employees increased, with a 4.0 percent rise over the past 12 months. The average workweek for employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged up slightly. The report also included revisions to employment figures for September and October, resulting in a combined 35,000 lower employment than previously reported.
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