U.S. job openings fell by 2.4 percent in November compared to October, but were still up 32.2 percent compared to November 2009, according to seasonally adjusted 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 percent in November. That is down 10 basis points from October's reading of 2.5 percent but up 50 basis points from November 2009's reading.

The number of hires edged down 0.9 percent in November from the previous month but was still up 1.2 percent from November 2009.

Total separations rose by 0.8 percent in November from the previous moth, but were down 0.3 percent on a year-over-year basis. Separations include involuntary losses of jobs as well as voluntary departures from jobs such as quits and retirements.