The number of temporary help services jobs fell by 2,000 in September from August for total employment in the industry of 2.53 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the numbers of temporary jobs in both July and August were revised upward. The new numbers show a slight gain in temporary help services jobs in August instead of the 4,900-job loss initially reported.

The temporary employment penetration rate was 1.90 percent in September, unchanged from August.

Employment in the “employment services industry” dropped by 5,400 jobs to approximately 3.20 million. The employment services industry is a broader category that includes temporary help services as well as jobs in employment placements agencies, executive search services and professional employer organizations.

Total U.S. nonfarm employment rose by 114,000 in September for a total of 133.5 million. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised August’s gain in total nonfarm employment to 142,000 jobs from the initially reported gain of 96,000. 

The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent in September from 8.1 percent in August.

However, the labor force participation rate was little changed at 63.6 percent.

The college-level unemployment rate, which can serve as a proxy for professional employment, was unchanged in September at 4.1 percent, the same rate as July and August.

According to the BLS, some of the industries that added jobs in September include healthcare, up44,000 jobs in September; transportation and warehousing, up 17,000 jobs; and financial activities, up 13,000 jobs.