National jobs report

A strong March skips the madness, adding 228,000 jobs

With experts predicting a slight slowdown for the end of Q1, March surprised many by adding a robust 228,000 jobs to the labor market.

This is well above the average of 167,000 jobs over the last 12 months – and marks the 51st month in a row where the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported labor market gains.

Additional findings

• The unemployment rate also ticked up to 4.2%
• Healthcare (54,000+) and leisure and hospitality (+43,000) led hiring in March
• Average hourly earnings increased 0.3%
• Labor force participation rose to 62.5%, up from 62.4% in February
• The last month the BLS reported job losses was December 2020
• Compared to the year before, layoffs rose 205% in March, the third highest ever recorded in a single month. According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, this is mostly a result of recent federal job cuts

Everyone’s 2025 looks different

While certain industries are thriving in today’s labor market, not every field has the same luck.

Whether it’s supply chain disruptions, an aging workforce, or strict compliance regulations, the obstacles employers face can feel insurmountable – especially when the labor market remains unpredictable.

That’s where a staffing partner like Adecco can help. Thanks to specialized recruiters and the latest market research, we can consult our clients on their unique challenges, from attracting new workers to navigating industry regulations to finding the right pay rates.

Contact us today to learn how we can help.