Companies Added Jobs in April, Surprising Experts

Roseland, NJ, April 30, 2008–Employers in the U.S. unexpectedly added 10,000 jobs in April, according to the ADP Employer Services report.

The increase followed a revised 3,000 gain for the prior month.

The figures indicate that some areas of the economy are weathering the worst housing recession in a quarter century, the credit crunch and a slowdown in consumer spending. For example, record exports, spurred by expanding economies overseas and a weakening dollar, have helped prevent a deeper downturn in manufacturing.

ADP includes only private employment and does not take into account hiring by government agencies.

The report showed a decline of 54,000 jobs in goods- producing industries. Service providers hired 64,000 workers. Construction employment dropped by 28,000, bringing the decline since August 2006 to 288,000 jobs. Employment at financial institutions rose by 2,000.