The U.S. economy gained 130,000 jobs in August, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.7%, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In response to the August job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs said: "The weak numbers show the Fed did the right thing to do a course correction and lower rates this summer. But they now need to consider more cuts to keep the slow down from escalating." He also tweeted:
Difficulties for workers shows when unemployed women find it hard to find jobs and so end up more likely to quit looking than to get a job. The number unemployed more than 27 weeks increased (unemployed means looking for work, NOT drawing UI benefits) increased 77,000 @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/UZHV4q8NBD
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 6, 2019
And, the number who found part time work, but wanted full-time work went up 397,000. The broadest measure of labor utilization problems--U-6, which includes those working part-time but want full-time and those who are discouraged, rose from 7.0 to 7.2% in August. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 6, 2019
After trending down, last month the broadest measure of labor force stress--U-6--ticked up from 7.0 to 7.2. Workers are showing signs of the slowing growth rate in jobs. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/uXltA7LRmw
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 6, 2019
On the plus side, the share of Americans with a job continued its recovery begun in August 2011. In August the gain came from women (all racial groups) and was flat or fell slightly for men. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/rfVqMoYA9u
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 6, 2019
August average duration for unemployment edged up after dipping, now up to 22.1 weeks. Another sign of weakness in finding jobs. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/DeVrxnUoUD
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 6, 2019
Last month's biggest job gains were in federal government (28,000), health care (24,000), financial activities (15,000), professional and business services (37,000) and social assistance (13,000). Employment declined in mining (-6,000) and retail trade (-11,000). Employment in other major industries, including construction, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and leisure and hospitality, showed little change.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.6%), blacks (5.5%), Hispanics (4.2%), adult men (3.4%), whites (3.4%), adult women (3.3%) and Asians (2.8%) showed little or no change in August.
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) rose in August and accounted for 20.6% of the unemployed.