Companies Added Jobs in April, Surprising Experts

Roseland, NJ, April 30, 2008--Employers in the U.S. unexpectedly added 10,000 jobs in April, according to the ADP Employer Services report.

The increase followed a revised 3,000 gain for the prior month.

The figures indicate that some areas of the economy are weathering the worst housing recession in a quarter century, the credit crunch and a slowdown in consumer spending. For example, record exports, spurred by expanding economies overseas and a weakening dollar, have helped prevent a deeper downturn in manufacturing.

ADP includes only private employment and does not take into account hiring by government agencies.

The report showed a decline of 54,000 jobs in goods- producing industries. Service providers hired 64,000 workers. Construction employment dropped by 28,000, bringing the decline since August 2006 to 288,000 jobs. Employment at financial institutions rose by 2,000.