A report released by payroll processor ADP on Wednesday showed private sector employment in the U.S. increased by much less than expected in the month of February.
ADP said private sector employment rose by 77,000 jobs in February after climbing by an upwardly revised 186,000 jobs in January.
Private sector job growth slowed to the lowest level since last July, with trade and transportation, health care and education, and information showing job losses, ADP said.
The report said employment at medium and large businesses increased by 46,000 jobs and 37,000 jobs, respectively, while employment at small businesses dipped by 12,000 jobs.
ADP also said year-over-year pay growth for job-changers slowed slightly to 6.7 percent in February from 6.8 percent in January. Pay growth for job-stayers was flat at 4.7 percent.