Private sector lost 33,000 jobs in June, the first monthly decline since March 2023.
Economists had forecast an increase of 100,000 jobs for June.
Service industries saw most losses, with professional/business services down 56,000 and health/education down 52,000.
Goods-producing sectors added 32,000 positions despite the overall contraction.
The Midwest and West experienced the largest job declines, while the South saw an increase of 13,000 jobs.
Small firms (fewer than 20 employees) shed 29,000 roles, whereas large firms (over 500 employees) added 30,000.
Annual wage growth slowed slightly to 4.4% for stayers and 6.8% for job changers.
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