WASHINGTON (Oct. 8, 2014) — Job openings in the U.S. reached 4.8 million in August 2014, the largest number since January 2001, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The August job openings figure was up from 4.6 million in July, according to the BLS report released Oct. 7.
However, new hires declined in August to 4.6 million from July's 4.9 million, the agency said.
August job openings were strongest in nondurable goods manufacturing, healthcare and accommodation and food services, and weakest in state and local government, according to the report. Total job openings increased for the 12 months ending in August, and also increased in many industries and in all four regions of the U.S., it said.
Hires for the month declined in all private sectors and were little changed in government, according to the report. Hires were little changed for the 12 months and decreased in educational services, it said.