Most jobs available in more than a decade

In a sign the U.S. labor market is strengthening, job openings at the end of June rose to the highest level in more than 13 years.

There were 4.67 million open jobs for workers in June, up 2% from the previous month, the Labor Department said Tuesday. That many jobs haven’t been available since February 2001.

Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet L. Yellen has singled out the report, which also includes the number of workers hired or who quit, as a key barometer of the economy’s health.

Slightly more workers quit their jobs in June, indicating they see better opportunities elsewhere. The 2.53 million workers who quit in June was the most since June 2008.

Hiring inched up as well, also reaching highs not seen since 2008.

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