by Calculated Risk in 1/07/2026 10:00:00
From the BLS: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary
The number of job openings was unchanged at 7.1 million in NovemberThe US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, the hires were little changed and the total separations were unchanged at 5.1 million each. In separation, both quits (3.2 million) and layoffs and discharges (1.7 million) were little changed.
emphasis added
The graph below shows job vacancies (black lines), employees (dark blue), Layoffs, Discharges and others (red columns), and Quits (light blue columns) from JOLTS.
This series started in December 2000.
Note: The difference between JOLTS hire and separation is the same as the CES (survey payroll) net jobs title. This report is for November; Employment report will be released there will be for December.
Click on the chart for a larger image.
Note that hires (dark blue) and total separations (red and light blue columns stacked) are usually quite close each month. This is a measure of labor market turnover. When the blue line is above the two stacked columns, the economy is adding net jobs – when it is below the column, the economy is losing jobs.
The surge in layoffs and discharges in March 2020 is labeled, but not on the chart to show the usual data.
Job vacancies fell to 7.15 million in November from 7.45 million in October.
The number of job vacancies (black) decreased by 11% per year.
Suspensions are up 4% per year. This is a voluntary separation. (See the light blue column below the graph for the trend to “off”).