U.S. Private Job Growth Slows to 11,500 Weekly Average as Cautious Employers Trim Headcounts in Late 2025
Summary
The U.S. labor market showed significant deceleration at the close of 2025, with U.S. private employers adding an average of just 11,500 jobs per week for the four weeks ending December 6, according to the ADP National Employment Report (NER) Pulse. This figure underscores a cautious approach by companies that are avoiding large-scale layoffs but are actively trimming staff. Looking ahead to 2026, analysts anticipate that solid economic growth driven by AI investments may not translate into robust hiring, potentially keeping the unemployment rate elevated.
The ADP NER Pulse showed U.S. private job creation slowed to 11,500 weekly in early December. This reflects a cautious late-2025 trend of trimming staff without resorting to mass layoffs. AI-driven productivity gains are expected to keep the 2026 unemployment rate elevated.
Key Takeaways
- Private employers added an average of 11,500 jobs per week through December 6.
- The 2026 unemployment rate is forecast to remain high due to AI adoption effects.
- Companies are avoiding large-scale layoffs while still implementing staff reductions.
Sentiment: Neutral
Slow job growth is balanced by stability and economic expansion driven by technological investment.
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