By Khongtham @Adobe Stock

In April, job openings and hiring rates increased in four U.S. states, while separations rose in two states and fell in one, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nationally, job openings, hires, and separation rates showed little change. Notable increases in job openings were seen in West Virginia, Louisiana, and North Carolina, while New York led in overall job openings and separations. Layoffs rose in 5 states, including Florida and New York, but decreased in Texas and Montana. BLS writes:

Job openings rates increased in 4 states in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, hires rates increased in 4 states and decreased in 2 states. Total separations rates increased in 2 states and decreased in 1 state. Nationally, the job openings, hires, and total separations rates showed little or no change in April.

This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, total separations, quits, and layoffs and discharges for the total nonfarm sector and for all states and the District of Columbia. Job openings include all positions that are open on the last business day of the month. Hires and separations include all changes to the payroll during the entire month.

Job Openings

Job openings rates increased in 4 states and were little changed in 46 states and the District of Columbia in April. The largest increases in job openings rates occurred in West Virginia (+1.5 percentage points), Louisiana (+0.9 point), and North Carolina (+0.8 point). Over the month, the national job openings rate changed little.

The number of job openings increased in 5 states, decreased in 3 states, and changed little in 42 states and the District of Columbia in April. The largest increases in the job openings level occurred in New York (+61,000), North Carolina (+49,000), and Massachusetts (+24,000). The decreases occurred in Washington (-24,000), Arizona (-23,000), and Wisconsin (-20,000). Nationally, the number of job openings changed little.

Hires

In April, hires rates increased in 4 states, decreased in 2 states, and were little changed in 44 states and the District of Columbia. The largest increases in the hires rates occurred in West Virginia (+1.3 percentage points), North Carolina (+1.2 points), and Maryland (+0.9 point). The decreases occurred in Colorado (-1.1 points) and Pennsylvania (-0.6 point). The national hires rate changed little over the month.

The number of hires increased in 4 states, decreased in 2 states, and was little changed in 44 states and the District of Columbia in April. The largest increases in the hires level occurred in California (+109,000), North Carolina (+64,000), and Maryland (+24,000). The decreases occurred in Pennsylvania (-36,000) and Colorado (-33,000). Nationally, the number of hires changed little over the month.

Total Separations

In April, total separations rates increased in 2 states, decreased in 1 state, and were little changed in 47 states and the District of Columbia. The increases in total separations rates occurred in Michigan (+0.6 percentage point) and New York (+0.5 point). The decrease occurred in Iowa (-0.8 point). Over the month, the national total separations rate was unchanged.

The number of total separations increased in 2 states, decreased in 1 state, and changed little in 47 states and the District of Columbia in April. The increases in the total separations level occurred in New York (+49,000) and Michigan (+24,000). The decrease occurred in Iowa (-13,000). Nationally, the number of total separations changed little over the month.

Quits

In April, quits rates decreased in 1 state and were little changed in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The only decrease in quits rates occurred in Georgia (-0.5 percentage point). Over the month, the national quits rate was little changed.

The number of quits decreased in 3 states and was little changed in 47 states and the District of Columbia in April. The decreases in the quits level occurred in Georgia (-22,000), New Jersey (-17,000), and Iowa (-9,000). Nationally, the number of quits changed little over the month.

Layoffs and Discharges

In April, layoffs and discharges rates increased in 5 states, decreased in 2 states, and were little changed in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The increases in layoffs and discharges rates occurred in Virginia (+0.7 percentage point) as well as in Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York (+0.4 point each). The decreases occurred in Montana (-0.8 point) and Texas (-0.3 point). The national layoffs and discharges rate was little changed over the month.

The number of layoffs and discharges increased in 8 states, decreased in 3 states, and changed little in 39 states and the District of Columbia in April. The largest increases in the layoffs and discharges level occurred in Florida (+39,000), New York (+34,000), and Virginia (+31,000). The decreases occurred in Texas (-37,000), Colorado (-16,000), and Montana (-4,000). Nationally, the number of layoffs and discharges changed little over the month.

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