Could the early summer weather have contributed to the employment slowdown seen in May? Some economists say yes. Jobs such as construction and manufacturing, which would have taken in large numbers of applicants in the Spring, began doing so earlier this year. The warm weather permitted employers in these sectors to begin hiring for jobs in the latter part of the winter months. This resulted in stunted employment rates during the Spring, when the hiring rate is typically highest.
With employment rates averaging 252,000 from December to February, people grew encouraged about the job market. However, with a drastic decrease of job gains averaging at a steady pace of 96,000 in the past few months, things are not looking as bright as they had been at the start of the year.
According to the Department of Labor, the amount of people out of work increased to 8.2 percent from 8.1 percent. Employers are said to have added only 69,000 jobs in the past month. This is the smallest amount of jobs added in a year.
Although businesses made 82,000 jobs available, governments took 15,000 away. Overall, the amount of unemployed Americans increased from 310,000 to 5.4 million.
Economists have said that employment rates in the past month could be vital in determining voter response towards President Obama's re-election. It is believed that voters tend to make up their minds about the job market and economy halfway through the year.
