US job openings rose to 7.618 million in April according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than the 6.866 million openings expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg and up from the 6.887 million openings reported in March.
The April level represents 4.6% of total employment, up from 4.2% in March and 4.3% a year earlier.
At the same time, hiring fell to 5.116 million from 5.535 million in March, decreasing the hiring rate to 3.2% from 3.5% and 3.4% a year ago.
Separations declined in the month to 4.978 million from 5.377 million in March. Quits and layoffs both decreased.