The September jobs report was weaker than economists predicted as employment gains fell short of what was predicted by 59,000, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Economists estimated that 201,000 payrolls would be added in September, but according to the BLS, only 142,000 were added.
Previously reported growth was revised down. The BLS in July reported employment gains of 245,000 and in August reported 173,000. These figures were revised down to only 223,000 employment gains in July and 136,000 in August.
"With these revisions, employment gains in July and August combined were 59,000 less than previously reported," a BLS report found. "Over the past 3 months, job gains have averaged 167,000 per month."
The report also found that there are six million individuals employed part-time for economic reasons. These workers would rather have full-time employment but either their hours were cut or they were unable to find a full-time job.
Additionally, there were 635,000 discouraged workers in September who decided not to look for work because they believe no job is available for them.