Automatic Data Processing (ADP), one of the largest human resources and payroll processing service providers in the US, reported on 3/12 that the nation's medium and large private businesses added 90,000 jobs in November. However, total US jobs still decreased by 32,000, driven by layoffs at small businesses.

Small businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees, cut 120,000 jobs last month. Nela Richardson, ADP's chief economist, characterized the November job figures as a "broad slowdown."

Observers note that small businesses, having fewer financial resources than larger corporations, struggle to cope with escalating costs from tariffs, high utility bills, and other economic pressures. This forces them to reduce staff. The most affected sectors included manufacturing, information services, and professional/support services.

Job fair in Chicago, US, in June. Photo: WSJ

The Main Street Alliance, representing 30,000 small business owners, attributed the current challenging conditions to policies enacted by President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers.

"The 120,000 small business jobs lost in November reflect the lingering impact of economic policies under Mr. Trump," said Richard Trent, leader of Main Street. "Trade wars, healthcare cuts, and tax incentives for large corporations made it difficult for businesses in the alliance to recruit and expand operations."

Recruitment also decelerated for medium and large businesses, even though these companies still reported a net increase in job positions.

"Small businesses and family-owned companies are grappling with an unstable macroeconomic environment and cautious consumer sentiment," Richardson stated.

By Duc Trung (According to NBC News, AP)