WASHINGTON (Feb. 1, 2013) — Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 157,000 in January 2013, but the increase wasn't enough to prevent the total unemployment rate from inching up to 7.9 percent from December's 7.8, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The biggest job gains were in retail trade—up 33,000, including 7,000 in motor vehicle and parts dealers; 28,000 in construction; 23,000 in health care; and 15,000 in wholesale trade.
On the other hand, transportation and warehousing lost 14,000 jobs, while manufacturing employment remained flat.