U.S. job openings fell by 2.9% in May from the previous month, but the number of openings was still up 28.9% over May 2009, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job openings rate -- a measure of job openings compared with total employment -- was 2.4% in May, down from 2.5% in April.

Separations rose 1.8% in May from April, but were down 7.2% compared with May 2009. The separations rate in May was unchanged from April. Separations include involuntary losses of jobs as well as voluntary departures from jobs such as quits and retirements.