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News Brief · United States · Published 23 Aug 2026, 07:29

Both payroll employment (-23,000) and unemployment rate (4.1%) change little in July

U.S. nonfarm payroll employment fell by 23,000 in July, while the unemployment rate was 4.1%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Unemployment
Updated 24 Aug 2026, 10:49Occurred 7 Aug 2026, 11:50Exam relevance 85/100
A jobseeker speaking with an education and employment adviser

The latest U.S. Employment Situation release showed nonfarm payroll employment fell by 23,000 in July. The unemployment rate was 4.1%, giving a current snapshot of labour-market conditions.

What happened

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nonfarm payroll employment fell by 23,000 in July. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the same release.

Why it matters

Employment and unemployment are key indicators of spare capacity and household income. A weaker labour market can reduce demand pressures, while a tighter labour market can support wage growth and consumption.

Economic context

For A-Level Economics, this release is usable evidence on unemployment, labour-market conditions, economic growth and monetary policy. It can support analysis of cyclical unemployment, aggregate demand and policy trade-offs.

Key data

Unemployment rate
4.1%
Nonfarm payroll change
-23,000

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