Record 4.5 Million Americans Quit Jobs In November As Employers Struggle To Retain Workers

Though the number of job openings fell more than expected in November, the number of Americans quitting their jobs jumped to record territory, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday, further illustrating the struggle employers are facing in filling—and retaining—jobs during the pandemic. 

The number of people quitting their jobs in November jumped to a record-high 4.5 million—surpassing the previous record of 4.4 million, set in September, according to the Labor Department’s job openings and labor turnover report.

The quits rate increased to 3%, matching the series high in September, with large upticks in several industries, including food services (up 159,000), health care (up 52,000) and transportation (up 33,000).