Economy posted biggest job gain in three years in March

Washington, D.C. The Labor Department released its latest employment findings Friday, reporting that the nation’s economy posted its largest job gain in three years in March.

The unemployment rate remained at 9.7% for the third consecutive month.

The job boost is the latest sign that the economic recovery is sustainable and healing in the job market is beginning. Still, the healing is likely to be slow, and most economists don't expect job creation to be fast enough this year to rapidly reduce the unemployment rate.

The Labor Department said employers added 162,000 jobs in March, the most since the recession began, but below analysts' expectations of 190,000. The total includes 48,000 temporary workers hired for the U.S. Census, also fewer than many economists forecast.

The Labor Department said employers added 162,000 jobs in March, the most since the recession began, but below analysts' expectations of 190,000. The total includes 48,000 temporary workers hired for the U.S. Census, also fewer than many economists forecast.

Private employers added 123,000 jobs, the most since May 2007. Manufacturing added 17,000 jobs, while temp help added 40,000, health care 37,000 and leisure and hospitality 22,000. The construction industry added 15,000 positions, though that likely reflects a rebound from February, when major snowstorms may have kept many construction workers off payrolls.

The department also revised January's job total to show a gain of 14,000, up from a loss of 26,000. February's job numbers was also revised higher by 22,000.