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Although seasonal hiring announcements in retail and transportation reached the highest levels since 2021, actual hiring in both sectors in October fell to the lowest point since before the pandemic, according to a report of November 7 from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

Based on unadjusted data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the company reported that retailers added 124,700 jobs, representing the lowest October total since 2018. Transportation and warehousing added 61 300 jobs, the lowest number since 2019.

“Certainly, the impact of two hurricanes in October prevented some seasonal hiring,” said Andrew Challenger, the company’s senior vice president. “Reconstruction efforts in the South and Southeast could continue into November, potentially affecting both demand and availability of workers in these regions. »

Although employers have announced plans to hire 659,850 seasonal workers, Challenger predicted that actual seasonal retail job gains will fall below the 2023 total of 564,200. In total, retailers will likely create about 520,000 new jobs, the company said. This will slightly exceed the 509,300 jobs created in the final quarter of 2022, but will mark the second lowest total since 2009.

Total nonfarm payrolls increased by only 12,000 jobs in October, but economists warn against panic and remained optimistic, citing temporary disruptions such as hurricanes and strikes. Generally speaking, the market is still biased toward a “soft landing” for the remainder of 2024, they said.

Job seekers are showing increased interest in part-time seasonal work in 2024, particularly in retail, according to an iCIMS report. Many candidates want a part-time position, and nearly three-quarters say they would prefer it to full-time seasonal work.