AlQa'dah 17, 1433, Oct 3, 2012, SPA -- U.S. private-sector hiring slowed in September, a sign that weak growth may be limiting job creation, according to a report released Wednesday by payroll processor ADP. Businesses added 162,000 jobs last month, more than economists expected but still indicating slow improvement in the labor market, the report said. Economists had expected a net gain of about 140,000 jobs. Hiring slowed from the 189,000 net gain posted in August. According to the report, small companies with fewer than 50 employees hired 81,000 workers in September, medium-sized businesses added 64,000 employees, and large companies with 500 or more workers hired 17,000 new employees. The ADP report only covers hiring in the private sector and excludes government employment. The report comes ahead of the government's much more comprehensive labor-market report for September on Friday. The ADP and government reports frequently diverge. The Labor Department report—considered key to the re-election chances of President Barack Obama—is expected to show job growth improved slightly, with employers adding 113,000 jobs. Private payrolls are expected to rise by 130,000.
