ABJ - June 25 - There were 3.4 million job openings on the last business day of April, down from 3.7 million in March, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The hires rate (3.1 per cent) and separations rate (3.1 per cent) were essentially unchanged in April.

Job openings decreased from March totals in total non-farm, total private, and government as well as in manufacturing, professional and business services, and state and local government. The number of openings decreased in April for the Midwest region. Job openings increased over the year for several industries in the Northeast and South regions.

The number of job openings in April, non-seasonally adjusted, increased over the year for total non-farm and total private but was little changed for government.

In April, the hires rate was little changed at 3.1 per cent for total non-farm. The hires rate was little changed in all industries and regions. The number of hires in April was 4.2 million, up from 3.7 million in June 2009.

The seasonally adjusted total separations rate was unchanged for total non-farm and government, and little changed for total private in April. Over the year, the total separations rate, non-seasonally adjusted, was little changed for total non-farm and total private, and unchanged for government.