The Economy

U.S. Private Sector Sees 'Solid' Job Growth

March 2, 2011

Added 217,000 jobs in February

Private businesses in the United States added 217,000 jobs in February, according to data released Wednesday, a solid bump that pointed to a quickening recovery in the struggling jobs market.

Private payrolls firm ADP reported a 15% increase in job creation from January, a better rate than expected by economists.

"This month's ADP National Employment Report suggests continued solid growth of nonfarm private employment early in 2011," the firm said.

The massive service sector created 202,000 jobs, for the 13th consecutive month of gains, while the goods and manufacturing sectors saw much more moderate rises.

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