US job openings fell by 256,000 in August to 7.079 million, while layoffs remained low, according to the Labor Department’s latest JOLTS report.

Reuters reported that the hires rate increased slightly to 3.3% while layoffs fell to 1.641 million. Nonfarm payrolls had increased by 162,000 in August.

Hiring demand cools gradually

The data shows a labor market in which employers are limiting layoffs while remaining cautious about adding workers. Economists are watching September employment data for further evidence about the direction of the economy.

Source: Reuters and US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Published September 30, 2026.

Imran Siddiqui

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