NFIB report shows small business employment index falls in April
Updated
Updated · NFIB · May 7
NFIB report shows small business employment index falls in April
11 articles · Updated · NFIB · May 7
The index dropped 1.2 points to 100.4, a second straight monthly decline, while 34% of owners reported unfilled jobs, the highest share since June 2025.
NFIB said 53% of owners were hiring or trying to hire, but 46% reported few or no qualified applicants; labor quality rose to 18% as the top business problem.
A net 13% planned new jobs over the next three months, while compensation pressures eased, with a net 30% raising pay and 18% planning increases, suggesting a softer but still balanced labor market.
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