The number of US job openings rose by 472,000 in March from February to almost 6.6 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The is the highest level since the series began in December 2000.

Hires and separations were little-changed.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — jumped to 4.2% in March from 3.9% in February.

Reuters reported the record number of job openings suggests that a recent slowdown in hiring was probably the result of employers having difficulties finding qualified workers. Job growth slowed in March and April after an outsized gain in February.

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