The number of job openings was little changed at 7.7 million on the last business day of October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Dec. 3. Over the month, hires changed little at 5.3 million. The number of total separations was little changed at 5.3 million. Within separations, quits (3.3 million) increased, but layoffs and discharges (1.6 million) changed little. This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, and separations for the total nonfarm sector, by industry, and by establishment size class.

The number of job openings was down by 941,000 over the year. The job openings rate, at 4.6%, changed little over the month.

The number of job openings increased in professional and business services (+209,000), accommodation and food services (+162,000), and information (+87,000) but decreased in federal government (-26,000).

In October, the number of hires changed little at 5.3 million but was down by 501,000 over the year.