Fewer job postings, more hiring in US

Fewer job postings, more hiring in US

WASHINGTON

U.S. employers advertised fewer jobs in July but hired more workers, a mixed sign that suggests only modest improvement in the job market.

Job openings fell 180,000 in July to 3.7 million, the Labor Department said Tuesday. That’s down from 3.9 million the previous month, which was revised lower.

Overall hiring increased to 4.4 million, up from 4.3 million in June and 4.17 million a year ago. Still, hiring has fluctuated in recent months and remains below the 5 million pace before the recession.

Layoffs dropped to 1.5 million, the lowest level on records dating back to 2001.

FDA: Opioids need stronger warnings

WASHINGTON

The Food and Drug Administration is requiring stronger warning labels on prescription painkillers such as OxyContin, in the government’s latest attempt to reduce overdose deaths caused by the long-acting medications.

The changes announced Tuesday are designed to remind doctors and patients about the fatal risks of misusing and abusing long- acting opioid pain relievers, which include forms of oxycodone, morphine and other narcotic medications. Whereas the previous label recommended the medications for “moderate to severe pain,” the new label describes a more-limited role. It says the drugs should be used only for “pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock” treatment that cannot be managed with alternatives, such as over-the-counter medications or immediate-release opioids.

Associated Press