Private Hiring Increases Again in May

Roseland, NJ, June 3, 2010--U.S. private employment grew by 55,000 additional workers in May, the fourth straight monthly increase, according to the ADP employment report.

Economists had been expecting the ADP report to show 110,000 jobs were added in May.

ADP's net job growth for April was revised higher, up to 65,000 from the 32,000 originally reported.

The report comes one day before the government releases its monthly estimates of nonfarm payrolls and the unemployment rate.

The ADP report does not cover government workers. Over the past six months, total government employment has fallen by an average of about 15,000 per month, as state and local agencies shed workers to address severe budget shortfalls brought about by the nation's deep recession.

Service-producing industries added 78,000 jobs in May, the fifth straight increase, ADP said.

However, goods-producing industries cut 23,000 jobs, despite a gain of 15,000 in manufacturing. Construction companies cut 41,000 jobs -- the 35th straight decline for this sector.