(AURN News) – The latest jobs report for January, released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicates robust growth in the U.S. economy with the addition of 353,000 jobs. Despite the overall positive trend, the data also sheds light on the persistent issue of racial disparities in unemployment rates, particularly among African Americans.
The overall unemployment rate remains low at 3.7%, showcasing a healthy job market. However, a closer look reveals that the Black community continues to face higher unemployment rates compared to other racial groups. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for African Americans in January stands at 5.3%, in contrast to 3.4% for Whites, 2.9% for Asians, and 5% for Hispanics.
The healthcare and manufacturing sectors saw steady growth last month. Healthcare saw an increase of 70,000 jobs, while manufacturing added 23,000 jobs. Average hourly wages also saw an uptick in January, increasing by 19 cents to reach $34.55.
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