The number of job openings increased to a series high of 6.0 million on the last business day of April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, hires decreased to 5.1 million and separations edged down to 5.0 million. Within separations, the quits rate and the layoffs and discharges
rate were little changed at 2.1 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively.

On the last business day of April, the job openings level increased to a series high of 6.0 million (+259,000). The job openings rate was 4.0 percent. The number of job openings edged up for total private (+220,000) and increased for government (+39,000). Job openings increased in a number of industries with the largest increase occurring in accommodation and food services (+118,000). Job openings decreased in durable goods manufacturing (-30,000). The number of job openings increased in the Midwest and Northeast regions.