Job Openings, Hires At Highest Levels In Years.
The AP (9/10) reports that in “signs the job market is slowly healing,” the number of job openings has “remained near the highest level in 13 years in July,” according to the Labor Department. The department also noted that companies hired workers at “the fastest pace in nearly seven years” during the same month. The number of jobs available in July “ticked down 2,000 to 4.673 million” due to a decline in government job openings, while businesses advertised more jobs in July than in June. Total hiring “jumped 81,000 to 4.87 million, the highest level” since the recession began in 2007, meaning “companies are more likely to fill their open jobs.” The numbers indicate “the job market is making progress” despite last week’s report.
Surge In Manufacturing Hiring Expected This Fall In Best Cities For Jobs.
Forbes (9/9) reports that Dallas has made the top of the list of some of the best cities for jobs this fall. The ManpowerGroup’s Employment Outlook Survey listed strong growth in manufacturing among the reasons for the top ranking of the city. Other cities making the top of the list for expected increases in manufacturing hiring are: Houston and McAllen, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and San Jose, California.
Oregon Business Activity Index Expands To 0.12 Thanks To Manufacturing Activity.
The Oregonian (9/10) reports that a University of Oregon monthly economic update shows that Oregon’s manufacturing climbed to a reading of 0.12 in July, based in large part on hiring and other activity in the manufacturing sector. Readings above zero indicate that business activity is growing at a faster-than-normal rate.
From SME Daily Executive Briefing 9/10/2014