Private sector employment in the U.S. increased by slightly less than expected in the month of December, according to a report released by payroll processor ADP on Wednesday.
ADP said private sector employment rose by 41,000 jobs in December after falling by a revised 29,000 jobs in November.
The report said employment at large establishments crept up by 2,000 jobs, while small establishments added 9,000 jobs and employment at medium establishments increased by 34,000 jobs.
ADP also said the rebound by private sector employment in December was led by the education and health services and leisure and hospitality sectors.
With regard to wage growth, the report said pay for job-stayers rose 4.4 percent year-over-year in December, unchanged from November.
The annual rate of pay growth for job-changers accelerated to 6.6 percent in December from 6.3 percent in November.