New federal data released Wednesday shows 4.2 million workers – about 2.8% of the national workforce – quit their jobs in October as the “Great Resignation” continues. Nationwide, the number of job openings increased to 11 million.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS), the number of workers who voluntarily left their jobs in October was down only slightly from September’s record 4.4 million.
Total separations for October, which also includes employees who did not leave their jobs voluntarily, was 5.9 million.
The 11 million job openings on the last day of October represent an increase of 431,000 vacant positions from September and almost as high as the record 11.1 million job openings recorded in July.
Job openings increased in several industries, including accommodation and food services (+254,000); nondurable goods manufacturing (+45,000); and educational services (+42,000).
Job openings decreased in state and local government, excluding education (-115,000).
In October, the job openings rate increased in small establishments with 10-49 employees and in large establishments with 1,000 to 4,999 employees.
