U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (10/16/15)

The number of job openings decreased to 5.4 million on the last business day of August after reaching a series high of 5.7 million in July, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of hires and separations was little changed at 5.1 million and 4.8 million, respectively. Within separations, the quits rate was 1.9% for the fifth consecutive month, and the layoffs and discharges rate was unchanged at 1.2%.

Job openings rose over the 12 months ending in August for professional and business services (184,000) and health care and social assistance (103,000). Job openings decreased over the year in arts, entertainment, and recreation (-31,000); and in mining and logging (-14,000).