The January jobs report showed strong growth in the US economy with 243,000 new jobs added. The unemployment rate dropped for the fifth straight month to 8.3%, nearly 1% lower than the previous summer. Nearly every private sector industry hired thousands of workers in January. Construction added 21,000 jobs while manufacturing and professional services each added over 50,000 positions.

1. The workplace economy
February 2012
Another positive month of BLS data: Last month, the national unemployment rate
was 8.3 percent, slightly lower than December’s
“243,000 jobs added to the national economy
rate of 8.5 percent and nearly one percent less
in January.”
than it was last summer. In addition, the rate
“National unemployment rate drops for the fifth has now declined for five consecutive months,
straight month.” an employment feat which has not been
“Dow increases to its highest level since May 2008.” accomplished since 1994.
These were just a few of the headlines that Of equal importance, the national economy has
gripped the front pages of newspapers through- added jobs for 23 straight months, as the number
out the nation on February 3rd after the BLS of unemployed individuals declined by 300,000
released January’s “The Employment Situation” in January, in comparison to December’s findings.
report — arguably the most positive jobs findings
Perhaps the most positive aspect of January’s
that have been recorded since Barack Obama
jobs report was the fact that job growth was very
was sworn in as the 44th President of the United
extensive, as nearly every private sector industry
States on January 20, 2009.
hired thousands of workers.
243,000 new jobs were added in January
Monthly payrolls
300
Thousand 243,000
250
200
150
110,000
100
50
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics as seen on CNNMoney.com. Numbers are seasonally adjusted.

2. The workplace economy February 2012
Sectors showing growth included: • Manufacturing: Once again, manufacturing
hiring continued to rise, as 50,000 professionals
• Construction: Employment within the
were freshly employed last month. Fabricated
industry increased by 21,000 jobs. Of all
metal products and machinery organizations
construction positions, nonresidential
each hired roughly 11,000 employees in January.
specialty trade contracting opportunities
were the most plentiful. • Professional and business services: More
than 70,000 workers accepted new employment
• Healthcare: The industry added nearly 31,000
opportunities within the industry in January.
positions to the economy in January, with
Temporary employment and accounting were
ambulatory care services and hospitals leading
two standouts in terms of employment last month,
the way as the industry’s top two employers.
as each industry hired 20,100 and 12,500 new
• Leisure and hospitality: 44,000 professionals employees, respectively.
were hired within the industry in January.
A majority were employed in drinking and/or
food establishments.
Sector changes observed in January
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Professional &
business services
Temporary
employment
Manufacturing
Leisure & hospitality
Healthcare
Construction
Architecture &
engineering
Accounting &
bookeeping
Source: BLS
For the full report, go to
workplaceeconomy.com
©2012 Adecco