U.S. job openings rose by 1.9% in August from the prior month and rose 32.8% year-over-year, 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% in August, unchanged from July but up from 1.8% in August 2009.

Separations fell by 4.4% in August from July but rose 0.7% on a year-over-year basis. The separations rate was 3.2%, down from 3.4% in July but unchanged from August 2009. Separations include involuntary losses of jobs as well as voluntary departures from jobs such as quits and retirements.