The number of job openings in the US increased for two consecutive months, reaching 7.8 million nationwide in May. This growth is attributed to a slight rise in the quits rate to 2.1% and a historically low layoff rate of 1%. The surge is surprising, given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
The increases were seen in diverse sectors such as transportation, warehousing, and utilities, potentially driven by heightened import activity ahead of July’s tariff implementation. Finance and insurance also experienced growth, possibly due to expected regulations easing under consideration.
Business leaders may be taking action despite the uncertainty, prioritizing short-term progress over long-term concerns. The recent uptick in openings is a positive sign, but its significance is uncertain without further context on potential tariff implications.
Source: https://www.hiringlab.org/2025/07/01/may-2025-jolts-report-action-over-indecision