July 08, 2003 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Payroll employment in June

Total nonfarm payroll employment was essentially unchanged (-30,000) in June at 130.0 million. Over the month, job declines continued in manufacturing, but were partially offset by gains in construction and some service-providing industries.

[Chart data—TXT]

Manufacturing employment decreased by 56,000 in June, in line with the average job loss over the prior 12 months. Since its most recent peak in July 2000, manufacturing employment has fallen by more than 2.6 million.

Employment in construction edged up in June, the fourth consecutive monthly gain. Construction has added 101,000 jobs since February, reflecting strength in residential building activity.

Employment in health care and social assistance rose by 35,000 over the month and has increased by 306,000 over the year. Employment in the temporary help industry rose by 38,000 in June, following a gain of 44,000 in May. In the leisure and hospitality industry, employment edged up in June following 4 months of declines.

Payroll employment data are from the Current Employment Statistics program. The above data are seasonally adjusted. Data for May and June 2003 are preliminary and subject to revision. For more information, see "The Employment Situation: June 2003" (PDF) (TXT), news release USDL. 03-253.

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