Private Sector Employment Increases in January

Roseland, NJ, Feb. 1, 2012 -- Private sector employment rose by 170,000 jobs in January, marking the 24th consecutive month of gains, according to ADP Employment Services.

The gain was led by small businesses and the service-providing sector, according to ADP. In December, private employment rose 292,000, compared with a prior estimate of 325,000.

By firm size, nonfarm private employment in January rose 95,000 at small businesses, 72,000 at medium businesses, and 3,000 at large businesses.

By sector, service-provider employment rose 152,000, while goods producers added 18,000 jobs.