By Lucy Bayly - NBC News
The economy added 559,000 jobs last month, double the disappointing 266,000 in April, and the unemployment rate fell from 6.1
%
to 5.8%, according to data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The latest employment report gives an additional indication that the economy is picking up, as widespread vaccinations allow businesses to reopen across all sectors.
Half of Americans are now fully vaccinated, and
confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States have fallen to levels not seen since March 2020,
according to an analysis by our sister network NBC News.
The US generates fewer jobs than expected in April: the economy gained just 266,000 jobs
May 7, 202101: 29
Private payrolls rose by 978,000 last month, and the Labor Department said initial jobless claims fell to 385,000, its lowest level since the pandemic hit, though still double the pre-health crisis average.
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