WASHINGTON (Feb. 3, 2017) — U.S nonfarm payroll employment rose by 227,000 jobs in January, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Meanwhile, the unemployment rate inched up 0.1 percentage point to 4.8 percent, according to the first employment report the BLS has issued in the Trump administration. The new employment numbers were issued Feb. 3.
Among the sectors that saw robust job growth were retail trade (up 46,000 jobs), construction (up 36,000), financial activities (up 32,000) and food services and drinking places (up 30,000), according to the report.
However, employment in manufacturing, wholesale trade, and transportation and warehousing changed little during the month, the BLS said. Manufacturing grew only by 5,000 jobs, according to the report.
"Manufacturing has long been the backbone of our country, and it is tough to see no significant job gains this month," said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM).
"It's time to turn campaign rhetoric on manufacturing into game-changing policy shifts," Mr. Paul said. The AAM stands ready to work with Congress and the White House on this issue, he said.
On Feb. 1, payroll services firm ADP Inc. issued its own employment report, saying that nonfarm payroll employment in the U.S. grew by 246,000 jobs in January.
Medium-sized businesses (50 to 499 employees) had the biggest growth during the month with 102,000 jobs, ADP said.
Large businesses (500 employees or more) added 83,000 jobs, and small businesses (fewer than 50 employees) grew by 62,000 jobs, the company said.
Goods-producing jobs grew by 46,000 jobs, including 25,000 in construction, 15,000 in manufacturing and 6,000 in natural resources/mining, ADP said.
The service-providing sector added 201,000 jobs, including 63,000 in trade/transportation/utilities and 71,000 in professional/business services, it said.
Franchise employment rose by 15,500 jobs in January, including 2,000 in auto parts and dealers, it said.