August 10, 2006 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Hires and separations rates in June 2006

The hires and total separations rates edged down in June.

[Chart data—TXT]

The hires rate was 3.5 percent in June, down from 3.7 percent in May. The hires rate decreased in professional and business services, education and health services, and in the Northeast and Midwest regions.

The total separations, or turnover, rate decreased from 3.6 percent in May to 3.4 percent in June. The total separations rate decreased in construction, government, and the Midwest region.

The hires rate is the number of hires as a percent of total employment. Hires are any additions to the payroll during the month.

The separations rate is the number of separations as a percent of employment. Total separations include quits (voluntary separations), layoffs and discharges (involuntary separations), and other separations (including retirements).

These data come from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. The above data are seasonally adjusted. Data for June 2006 are preliminary and subject to revision. Find additional information in "Job Openings and Labor Turnover: June 2006" (PDF) (TXT), news release USDL 06-1363.