US Job Creation Plummets to Lowest Level Since Covid Pandemic
Washington D.C. – The United States experienced its weakest year for job creation since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2025, with employment growth slowing significantly, according to Labor Department data released in December. Employers added a modest 50,000 jobs in December, fewer than expected, while the unemployment rate dipped to 4.4%.
Job gains last year averaged 49,000 per month, a sharp decline from the 168,000 jobs added monthly in 2024, according to BBC Business. This slowdown occurred despite an annual economic growth rate of 4.3%, driven by consumer spending and exports.
The weak employment figures come as businesses operate in an environment shaped by the policy changes of US President Donald Trump, including tariffs, an immigration crackdown, and cuts to government spending, according to BBC Business.
The Labor Department data also included downward revisions to job creation figures for October and November. Losses were reported in the retail and manufacturing sectors.
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