U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (10/07/14)

There were 4.8 million job openings on the last business day of August, up from 4.6 million in July and the highest level of job openings since January 2001, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 4.6 million hires in August, down from 4.9 million in July. The hires rate of 3.3% was down, and the separations rate of 3.2% was essentially unchanged in August. Within separations, the quits rate of 1.8% was unchanged and the layoffs and discharges rate of 1.1% was little changed.

Job openings rose in nondurable goods manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and accommodation and food services. Job openings fell in state and local government.