February Employment Report

Private payroll gains averaged 145,000 during the first two months of the year, compared with 120,000 during the last half of 2010. Factory payrolls increased by 33,000 last month, exceeding the survey forecast of a 25,000 gain.

Government payrolls decreased by 30,000 last month reflecting cuts at the state and local level. Federal government employment was unchanged. The average work week for all workers held at 34.2 hours. ◆