May 12, 2004 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Hiring in March 2004

The hires rate (the number of hires during the month divided by employment) increased in March to 3.5 percent.

[Chart data—TXT]

Hires are any additions to the payroll during the month. The hires rate was at its highest point since late 2001. 

The hires rate increased in professional and business services in March, largely offsetting a drop in February, while the hires rates for trade, transportation, and utilities and leisure and hospitality continued on an upward trend. Other major industries showed little or no change in their hires rates over the month.

These data come from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. The above data are seasonally adjusted. Data for March 2004 are preliminary and subject to revision. Find additional information in "Job Openings and Labor Turnover: March 2004" (PDF) (TXT), USDL 04-845.