Jobs growth in the US increased sharply last month, according to The Conference Board’s Employment Trends Index. The index rose in February to a reading of 107.74 from 106.50 in January.

“The Employment Trends Index accelerated further in February, suggesting that strong job growth is likely to continue in the coming months,” said Gad Levanon, chief economist, North America, at The Conference Board. “The six-month growth rate of the index is the highest since 2014. The stable unemployment rate in recent months is a statistical illusion. The labor market is tightening and with such strong job growth, further declines in the unemployment rate is all but guaranteed.”

Separately, the US Department of Labor on Friday reported the US gained 313,000 jobs in February and temp jobs rose by 4.15% year over year.