Private Sector Added 55,000 Jobs in May

The private sector added jobs for the fourth straight month in May, according to the latest report from payroll company ADP released Thursday. The 55,000 non-government jobs added last month has some economists declaring the “jobless stage” of the economic recovery is over.

The report also revised the estimated change in employment in March from an increase of 32,000 to an increase of 65,000.

Large business, defined as those with 500 or more workers, saw employment increase by 3,000 and employment among medium-sized businesses, defined as those with between 50 and 499 workers, increased by 39,000. Small-size businesses with fewer than 50 employees added 13,000 workers in May.

Private employment in the service-providing sector rose by 78,000, the fifth consecutive monthly increase. Employment in the goods-producing sector declined 23,000 and employment in the manufacturing sector increased by 15,000 the fourth consecutive monthly increase.