Disappointing April jobs data pose new challenge for Biden agenda

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The United States added 266,000 jobs in April -- a quarter of the number expected -- in a surprise setback for President Joe Biden's efforts to ...

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US President Joe Biden spoke about infrastructure and jobs in Westlake, Louisiana on May 6, 2021, a day before the release of the April employment report that could complicate his push for more government spending AFP/Brendan SmialowskiWASHINGTON: The United States added 266,000 jobs in April - a quarter of the number expected - in a surprise setback for President Joe Biden's efforts to revive an economy blighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden had bet that his US$1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan would reopen businesses closed during the pandemic and spur rehiring, and while analysts say that may still happen as summer gets underway, the data nonetheless represent a hitch in the administration's plans. But the Republican opposition has generally regarded his proposals as a spending spree fueled by tax increases they see as harming American competitiveness, and on Friday lawmakers pointed to the downbeat employment numbers to make their case.

Positions at motor vehicles and parts firms declined 27,000, perhaps a sign that a semiconductor shortage that has forced American automakers to cut production may be taking its toll. The labor force participation rate indicating the share of working age adults employed or looking for work changed little at 61.7 per cent, while the data said the economy remains short 8.2 million jobs it had in February 2020, before the pandemic hit.

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