Labor Dept report: Fewer job openings in July

The number of jobs available in the United States fell during the month of July, according to a recent release from the Labor Department.

In a statement, the government agency said that the number of open positions fell to 3.67 million during July, lower than June’s total of 3.72 million. According to Bloomberg, some companies are cutting back on hiring due to ongoing uncertainty caused by the European debt crisis.

In an interview before the figures were released, IHS Global Insight economist Nigel Gault said that another factor was lower consumer spending.

“Firms are going to remain cautious about adding jobs,” Gault told the news outlet. “Demand is lackluster. All the uncertainty is still there.”

Some businesses are planning to add staff on a temporary basis over the next few months in preparation for the Christmas shopping season. A study from Challenger, Gray and Christmas revealed that during 2011, 718,500 seasonal workers were hired, 14.5 percent more than in 2010. The new jobs could lead to full-time work for those who are successful at their new positions during the months after the holiday season.

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