US Job Creation Plummets to Lowest Level Since Covid Pandemic
Washington D.C. - US job creation experienced a significant slowdown in 2025, marking the weakest year for the employment market since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Labor Department data. Employers added only 50,000 jobs in December, fewer than expected, while the unemployment rate dipped to 4.4%.
The US economy added an average of 49,000 jobs per month throughout 2025, a sharp decline from the 168,000 jobs added monthly in 2024, according to BBC Business. Job gains last year were the smallest since 2020, when the Covid pandemic led to widespread cuts.
Despite an annual economic growth rate of 4.3%, the labor market struggled, with downward revisions to October and November figures. Losses were reported in the retail and manufacturing sectors.
Businesses have been operating in an environment marked by US President Donald Trump's dramatic policy changes, including tariffs, an immigration crackdown and cuts to government spending, according to BBC Business.
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