U.S. job growth unexpectedly slowed in April from the previous month as employers struggle to attract #workers, a development that is slowing momentum in the labor market. On #April, 266,000 were created after a downwardly revised increase of 770,000 in #March, with the #unemployment rate rising to 6.1%, up from 6.0% in the prior month The market consensus expected a 1 million increase in #hiring in April and an unemployment rate at 5.8%.

The factors preventing people from re-entering the labor force should be resolved in the coming months if vaccinations continue and as unemployment benefits expire.
Companies comment that higher unemployment benefits and the latest round of aid are discouraging a return to work, despite job openings approaching record levels.
This has prompted some states to take action: Montana is offering a $1,200 payment if people stop collecting unemployment benefits and work for at least four weeks.