US job openings remain almost flat in January

The job openings rate was 4.8 per cent. Job openings increased in a number of industries, with the largest increases in wholesale trade, real estate and rental and leasing, and information.

In January, the number of hires was little changed at 5.8 million, and the hires rate was 3.9 per cent.

The number of total separations was also little changed at 5.6 million in January, and the total separations rate was 3.7 per cent. Total separations, referring to as turnover, includes quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations, according to the department.

The number of quits remained almost flat in January at 3.5 million. Quits rate, a measure of workers' willingness or ability to leave jobs, was 2.3 per cent. Quits increased in arts, entertainment and recreation as well as in state and local government education, while quits decreased in federal government.

The number of layoffs and discharges was little changed in January at 1.7 million, and the layoffs and discharges rate was 1.1 per cent.

Large numbers of hires and separations occur every month throughout the business cycle. Net employment change results from the relationship between hires and separations. When the number of hires exceeds the number of separations, employment rises, even if the hires level is steady or declining.