Payroll processor ADP released a report on Wednesday showing private sector employment in the U.S. increased by much less than expected in the month of January.
ADP said private sector employment rose by 22,000 jobs in January after climbing by a downwardly revised 37,000 jobs in December.
The modest increase in private sector employment largely reflected a jump in employment in the education and health services sector, which added 74,000 jobs.
Meanwhile, employment in the professional and business services sector slumped by 57,000 jobs. The manufacturing sector, which has lost jobs every month since March 2024, also shed 8,000 jobs.
The report also said medium establishments added 41,000 jobs, while large establishments cut 18,000 jobs. Employment at small establishments was unchanged.
ADP also said pay growth for job-stayers was little changed in January at 4.5 percent year-over-year. Annualized pay growth for job-changers slowed to 6.4 percent from 6.6 percent.