The January jobs report, delayed by last week’s brief government shutdown, will now be released on February 11, according to an updated schedule from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The report, one of the most closely followed economic releases in the U.S., was originally scheduled for early February but was pushed back as federal agencies paused operations during the funding lapse.
Key Labor Data Returns Next Week
The BLS confirmed Wednesday that the Employment Situation Report for January will be published five days later than planned. Markets, policymakers, and businesses closely watch the report for signals on hiring trends, wage growth, and overall labor market strength.
Along with the payrolls data, the agency also announced changes to other releases:
- The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) will be released Thursday, instead of its original Tuesday date.
- The January Consumer Price Index (CPI) will now be published on February 13, two days later than scheduled.
- The related real earnings report will follow the same revised timeline.
What Economists Expect From the Report
Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect the January jobs report to show:
- 60,000 new jobs added, up slightly from December’s 50,000 gain
- Unemployment rate holding steady at 4.4%
These forecasts suggest a labor market that remains stable but continues to cool after several years of stronger growth.
ADP Report Signals Slower Hiring
Earlier on Wednesday, payroll processing firm ADP reported that private employers added only 22,000 jobs in January, far below expectations. That report reinforced the view that hiring momentum has softened, especially outside of health care and education.
While the ADP data does not always match government figures, it often shapes expectations ahead of the official jobs report.
Why the January Jobs Report Matters
The delayed January jobs report arrives at a key moment for markets and policymakers. With inflation still above target and economic growth slowing, labor data plays a major role in shaping expectations for interest rates and future policy moves.
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