US Job Creation Plummets to Lowest Level Since Covid Pandemic
Washington D.C. - U.S. 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 a modest 50,000 jobs in December, fewer than expected, while the unemployment rate dipped to 4.4%.
The year's average of 49,000 jobs added per month represents 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 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, according to BBC Business.
Businesses have been operating in an environment marked by policy changes, including tariffs, an immigration crackdown and cuts to government spending. The US economy has held up in the face of these shifts, growing at an annual rate of 4.3 over the thr.
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