U.S. job openings slipped to roughly 7.1 million in August, down from previous levels, according to multiple outlets reporting on the data. The decline was reported alongside characterizations that the labor market remains sturdy or resilient despite the drop.
Independent Journal Review put the figure at about 7.08 million in August, down from 7.34 million in July, and said the number came in below forecasts. The outlet reported that hiring changed little at roughly 5.2 million, while layoffs and quits were broadly steady.
The Washington Times reported the same 7.1 million figure and added that the labor market remains resilient in the face of higher energy costs, which it attributed to fighting involving Iran.
The Epoch Times emphasized that job openings remained above 7 million, framing the labor market as sturdy despite the monthly decline.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Associated Press reported job openings slipped to 7.1 million in August.
- The Associated Press characterized the labor market as remaining sturdy despite the decline.
“U.S. job openings slipped to 7.1 million in August but labor market remains sturdy” — Associated Press
Right
- The Epoch Times highlighted that job openings stayed above 7 million, framing the market as sturdy.
- Newsmax reported job openings slipping to 7.1 million in August.
- The Washington Times linked labor market resilience to higher energy costs from fighting with Iran.
- Independent Journal Review reported the decline came in below forecasts, with hiring, layoffs and quits little changed.
“US job openings fall to 7.08 million in August, below forecasts” — Independent Journal Review
Questions readers ask
What happened to U.S. job openings in August?
U.S. job openings slipped to about 7.1 million in August, according to multiple outlets, with Independent Journal Review specifying a drop to roughly 7.08 million from 7.34 million in July.
Did the decline in job openings come as a surprise?
Yes, according to Independent Journal Review, the August figure of about 7.08 million came in below forecasts.
What happened to hiring, layoffs and quits in August?
According to Independent Journal Review, hiring changed little at roughly 5.2 million, while layoffs and quits were broadly steady.
Is the U.S. labor market considered weak based on this data?
No, outlets including the Associated Press, The Epoch Times and The Washington Times described the labor market as sturdy or resilient despite the decline in job openings.
What did right-leaning outlets emphasize about the data?
Right-leaning outlets emphasized that job openings remained above 7 million and that the labor market stayed resilient, with The Washington Times also citing higher energy costs tied to fighting with Iran.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningU.S. job openings slipped to 7.1 million in August but labor market remains sturdy
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningUS job openings fall to 7.08 million in August, below forecasts
- NewsmaxRight-leaningJob Openings Slip to 7.1 Million in August
- The Epoch TimesRight-leaningUS Labor Market Remains Sturdy as Job Openings Stay Above 7 Million
- The Washington TimesRight-leaningU.S. job openings slipped to 7.1 million in August but labor market remains sturdy