U.S. nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1.4 million in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the unemployment rate fell to 8.4 percent as economic activity continued to resume. Overall, U.S. employment remains 11.5 million jobs below its February level, and employment in June and July was revised downward by 39,000 jobs.
By employment category, notable gains were seen in government employment, which increased by 344,000 jobs. According to BLS, this largely reflects hiring for the 2020 Census. In addition, gains were seen in retail trade, which added 249,000 jobs in August; professional and business services, which added 197,000 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, which added 174,000 jobs — the majority (134,000) in food services and drinking places.
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