The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) is a monthly report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that provides insights into labor demand and turnover. It details the number of job openings, hires, and separations—including quits, layoffs, and other separations—offering a comprehensive view of the labor market’s dynamics.
In January 2025, the JOLTS report revealed that U.S. job openings increased by 232,000 to reach 7.740 million. This rise indicates sustained labor demand. Hiring saw a modest uptick of 19,000, bringing the total to 5.393 million. Concurrently, layoffs decreased by 34,000 to 1.635 million, suggesting a stable employment environment.
However, it’s important to note that the JOLTS data is collected in the month following the reference period. Therefore, the January report may not fully capture the effects of more recent economic shifts and policy changes that occurred in February and early March.
Overall, the January JOLTS data presents a picture of stability in the labor market, with steady job openings and hiring, and a decrease in layoffs. Yet, considering the data’s lagging nature, it may not reflect the latest economic developments.