BLS: December Job Openings Fall to 6.5M, Lowest Since 2020 (Jan 5, 2026)

December job openings fell to 6.5 million, the lowest level since 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, released Jan 5, 2026. This outcome missed economists’ median forecast of 7.25 million. Layoffs and discharges rose to 1.8 million, up from 1.7 million in the prior month. The hiring rate improved to 3.3%, and the quits rate remained at 2%. Concurrent labor data showed Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported January layoff announcements at their highest since 2009, while initial claims for unemployment insurance reached 231,000, up 22,000 from the prior week. ADP revised December private-sector employment growth lower, indicating softer than expected job gains.