Hiring Slowed in August; Jobless Rate Declined to 8.1%

Job growth slowed substantially in August. The economy added a total of 96,000 jobs in August, down from a revised figure of 141,000 in July and well below the 125,000 level economists had been expecting.

The jobless rate fell to 8.1%, from 8.3% in July, but economists said that was a sign more unemployed workers were discouraged about the prospect of finding new jobs, rather than an indication new jobs were being created.

Read the full release: Hiring Slowed in August; Jobless Rate Declined to 8.1%