Brief
US September jobs report shows 29,000 hires and unemployment rise to 4.2%
September's labor data revealed weak job growth, a modest rise in unemployment and declining worker confidence as the U.S. heads toward the November midterm elections.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Labor Department released September figures on Friday showing U.S. employers added just 29,000 jobs, while the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%.
Job growth fell sharply from a revised 133,000 in August, and economists had expected about 90,000 new jobs. The department also removed 60,000 jobs from the combined July‑August totals during its revisions.
Average hourly pay rose 3% over the past year, the smallest annual increase since May 2021. The report is the final labor update before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, which will decide whether President Donald Trump’s Republicans keep full control of Congress.
Public sentiment remains low: a Thursday Associated Press‑NORC poll found only 17% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, and just 26% approve his overall economic management. Consumer confidence fell to a ten‑year low, according to the Conference Board, and 28% of respondents expect fewer jobs in six months.
Glassdoor’s employee confidence index dropped to its lowest level since early 2016, marking a third record low this year. Glassdoor chief economist Daniel Zhao said, "Employee confidence has been continuously grinding downward over the last year as workers grow increasingly anxious about everything from layoffs to AI."
Key facts
- September added 29,000 jobs, far below the 90,000 economists expected. (independent.co.uk)
- The unemployment rate rose to 4.2% from 4.1% in August. (independent.co.uk)
- Average hourly pay increased 3% over the past year, the smallest gain since May 2021. (independent.co.uk)
- Only 17% of U.S. adults approve of President Trump’s handling of the cost of living, per an AP‑NORC poll. (independent.co.uk)
- Glassdoor’s employee confidence index fell to its lowest level since early 2016. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “US adds disappointing 29,000 jobs as unemployment ticks up to 4. 2%”
