The number of U.S. job openings in August rose 5.0 percent from July to 4.8 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was the highest level of job openings since January 2001. The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — rose to 3.4 percent in August from 3.2 percent in the month prior.

However, the number of hires fell 6.0 percent in August to about 4.6 million. The number of separations fell 4.1 percent to approximately 4.4 million.

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