US job growth falls short of monthly average

U.S. nonfarm payroll employers added 211,000 jobs in November, below the average monthly gain of 237,000 during the previous 12 months.

The nation’s not-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged last month at 5 percent, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics news release.

Job gains were concentrated in construction, food services and drinking places, retail trade, professional and technical services, and health care.

Construction employment rose by 46,000 jobs last month, led by 26,000 hires in residential specialty trade, according to the release.

Last month, food services and drinking places added 32,000 jobs. The sector has experienced a payroll increase of 374,000 during the past year.

Employers in retail trade added 31,000 jobs, led by general merchandise stores, at 12,000, and motor vehicle and parts dealers, 9,000, according to the release.

Professional and technical services employment moved up by 28,000 jobs last month. During the past year, the industry has added 298,000 jobs.

The health care sector increased its payroll ranks by 24,000 positions in November, following a boost of 51,000 jobs in October, according to the release.

Among decreases in November, the information sector lost 12,000 jobs and mining employment declined by 11,000.