US job growth seen slowing in August, unemployment rate falling below 10 per cent

US job growth likely slowed further in August as financial assistance from the government ran out, threatening the economy’s recovery from the COVID-19 recession.

The Labor Department’s closely watched employment report on Friday would come as companies from transportation to manufacturing industries announce layoffs or furloughs. It could add pressure on the White House and Congress to restart stalled negotiations for another fiscal package, and will likely become political ammunition for both Democrats and Republicans with just two months to go until the presidential election.