FRED Job Openings & Initial Claims

This interactive chart from FRED shows weekly data on job openings and initial unemployment claims in the United States. Job openings reflect the total number of open positions waiting to be filled in the U.S. economy as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). Initial claims track new filings for unemployment insurance benefits reported by the Department of Labor. he two data series provide complementary insights into the demand for labor (job openings) versus loss of employment (initial claims) over time. In a strong job market, openings tend to rise while claims fall. During recessions, openings plummet and claims surge. The data allows analysis of the relationship between available jobs and unemployment. Comparing the patterns and ratios of openings to claims provides a real-time look at labor market trends and tightness. For instance, the gap between openings and claims widened after the 2008 recession, reflecting an increase in job vacancies along with a decline in layoffs. Monitoring job openings and claims aids policymakers, analysts and employers in understanding current employment conditions. The data informs decisions about interest rates, hiring, wages and more based on signals of economic and labor market strength.