Employment

Abstract

T number employed in nonagricultural industries in September rose to the highest level of the year, according to data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The gain over August amounted to about 450,000 workers, a more-than-seasonal increase. In September the number at work was about 2,700,000 less than a year ago whereas 3 months earlier the decline over the year interval amounted to 3,280,000 workers. In manufacturing industries, the gain in employment in September was larger than usual, the adjusted index advancing 2 points to 87.0 (1923-25=100). The index has recorded a gain of about 6 percent since June, when the number of factory workers was at the lowest figure since 1934. Pay rolls also recorded a sharp gain in September, the index (without seasonal adjustment) advancing nearly 4 points to 80.7. In contrast to the experience during July and August, when the recovery movement was gaining momentum, the increases in employment in September were more pronounced in the durable-goods industries. After adjustment for seasonal variations, this group showed a gain of about 5 percent, compared with an increase of less than 1 percent for the nondurable-goods group. Employment in the production of durable goods, however, is about 30 percent below the recovery high recorded in July 1937, whereas in the nondurable-goods lines, the number at work in September was only about 12 percent under the 1937 high, according to the seasonally adjusted figures. The more-than-seasonal gain in employment in automobile plants accounted for an important part of the rise in the number at work in industries producing durable goods. Numerous other industries classed in this group, however, increasecLworking forces by more than the usual seasonal amount. Practically all of the nondurable-goods industries also reported increased employment, but in most instances the gains were of no more than seasonal proportions. Exceptions, in which more-than-seasonal improvement occurred, included wearing apparel, chemicals and allied products, and rubber products. Gains also predominated among the nonmanufacturing industries in September as compared with August. Under the stimulus of seasonal influences and the improvement in general business conditions, retail trade establishments increased their working*forces by about 184,000, a slightly more-than-seasonal gain. Mining industries generally reported improved employment conditions.