Private Sector Employment Turns Positive
Private sector employers in the United States added an average of 14,250 jobs per week over the past four weeks, according to preliminary data released by ADP. The figure marks a significant turnaround from September’s job losses and signals renewed momentum in the labor market.
The data, covering the four-week period ended October 11, suggests that total job growth reached approximately 55,000 new positions during the month. This follows the National Employment Report (NER) in September, which reported a decline of 32,000 jobs.
ADP Fills the Gap During Government Shutdown
With the ongoing government shutdown disrupting official data releases, ADP has stepped in to fill the information void. The company will now provide a four-week average of weekly employment changes every Tuesday, offering a near real-time snapshot of private sector job trends.
“ADP’s near real-time employment data, released weekly, will now provide an even clearer picture of the labor market at this critical time for the economy,” said Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist. “This offers a dynamic view of job creation and loss at an unprecedented level of weekly detail.”
How the New Data Differs from the NER
The new preliminary dataset complements the widely followed National Employment Report (NER), which measures monthly job growth and is typically released the Wednesday before the government’s payroll report. While the NER captures changes during the week containing the 12th of the month, the new series offers a rolling four-week average with a two-week lag, providing a more frequent look at employment dynamics.
ADP plans to revise this preliminary data each month when the NER is published, ensuring consistency between weekly and monthly estimates. The shift reflects growing demand for higher-frequency labor market indicators, especially when official data releases face delays or disruptions.
Outlook for the Labor Market
The return to positive job creation suggests that the labor market remains resilient despite broader economic uncertainty. However, the preliminary figures should be interpreted with caution until confirmed by the next NER release. If the upward trend holds, it could indicate a gradual reacceleration in private sector hiring heading into the final quarter of the year.
Conclusion
ADP’s new weekly employment data introduces a timely tool for tracking U.S. labor market conditions, particularly amid gaps in official reporting. The initial numbers point to a modest but notable recovery in job creation after September’s decline, offering early signs of stabilization in private sector employment.