US job openings fell to their second-lowest level in over five years in December 2025, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report released on Thursday showed a decrease of 386,000 openings to 6.542 million by the end of December, the lowest since September 2020.
November's data was also revised downward to 6.928 million from the previously reported 7.146 million. Economists had forecast 7.20 million unfilled jobs. Hiring rose by 172,000 to 5.293 million in December, still at a low level.
Separate data showed a larger-than-expected increase in weekly jobless claims, which rose by 22,000 to a seasonally adjusted 231,000 for the week ending 31 January. This was the largest increase since early December, though economists noted the rise likely reflected snowstorms and seasonal adjustment difficulties.
Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics, said: “There is no sign of the kind of layoffs we expect to see in a weakening labor market during the early days of a recession. The level of claims is just very low.”
Heavy snow and freezing temperatures affected states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, temporarily leaving some people unemployed. The labor market remains in a “low hire, low fire” mode, economists said.
Friday's jobs report, which would provide a more accurate snapshot, has been delayed due to the latest US government shutdown.
