Bloomberg Businessweek (06/04/14) Victoria Stilwell

Companies added fewer jobs than expected in May, a sign of uneven progress in the labor market, according to the ADP Research Institute. Employment in May rose by 179,000, the smallest increase in four months. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast an increase of 210,000.

Large companies employing 500 or more employees added 37,000 jobs; medium-sized companies with 50 to 499 employees added 61,000 jobs; and small companies added 82,000 jobs.

Conference Board News Release (06/04/14)

Online advertised vacancies declined 18,900 to 4.9 million in May, according to the Conference Board Help Wanted OnLine Data Series. The April supply and demand rate stands at 1.98 unemployed for each vacancy with a total of 4.8 million more unemployed workers than the number of advertised vacancies. The number of unemployed was 9.8 million in April.

“Last month’s supply [and] demand rate fell below two for the first time in just over six years,” says June Shelp, vice president at the Conference Board. “That is good news for many workers since the April supply [and] demand rate is a broad indication of current employer demand for labor. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news since overall employer demand has been flat for over a year and we’re seeing a drop in demand for high-paying jobs like computer workers and medical professionals.” At the same time, in service and manufacturing occupations like production, building and grounds, food service, and construction, there were close to four or even more unemployed workers for every opening.

Newsday (06/03/14) Ken Schachter

Adecco is laying off 154 workers in Melville, NY, instead of its initial estimate of 185 when it moves its North American headquarters to Jacksonville, FL, because some employees have found opportunities elsewhere. The company announced the move in March, and around 20 Melville workers are considering relocating with the company. About 200 employees will be transferred to other Melville locations. The company will receive $2 million in economic incentives from Florida for moving to the state.