But there were signs of labor market tightness. The unemployment rate of 4.8% was down four-tenths of percentage point from August, while average hourly earnings increased 0.6% from 0.4% in August. But with COVID-19 infections decreasing and schools fully reopened for in-person learning, more people should be able to rejoin the labor force. The smaller household survey from which the unemployment rate is derived showed 183,000 people left the labor force in September. Even though participation remains low, some aspects of the labor market are improving.

Source: MetroXpress October 08, 2021 14:02 UTC