U.S. Labor Department Reports Job Openings and Labor Turnover for February 2021

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has posted its Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for February 2021. According to the JOLTS report, as of the last day in February, the number of job openings edged higher to 7.4 million (+268,000). The Job opening rate was little changed at 4.9%. Hires also moved higher to 5.7 million (+273,000). The hire rate was little changed at 4.0%. In February, the total number and rate of separations were little changed at 5.5. million and 3.8%, respectively. In February, the quits level and rate were little changed at 3.4 million and 2.3% respectively. In February, the number and rate of layoffs and discharges were little changed at 1.8 million and 1.2%, respectively. Over the 12 months ending in February, hires totaled 72.3 million and separations totaled 80.9 million, yielding a net employment loss of -8.6 million. These totals include workers who may have been hired and separated more than once during the year.