December 2009 jobs data

Pundits are making a fuss about the fact that official December job losses increased from November's unbelievable numbers. Monthly job losses still show a longer-term gradual decline. (Source.)


Perhaps looking at ADP's private job loss numbers does a better job of putting the trend in perspective:


The official unemployment rate remained unchanged at 10.0% in December:


The year-over-year percent change in aggregate weekly hours worked shows an upward trend, although it's still below zero:


The year-over-year percent change in initial unemployment claims is below zero and continuing to improve:


So, while the widely-reported official data didn't look so good in December, other data shows the recovery is continuing.

A reminder for conspiracy theorists: The ADP data (i.e. the second graph) does not come from the government.