US Job Growth in October Slows to 12,000

Jobs growth in the US slowed sharply in October as hurricanes and strikes disrupted the economy.

According to the Labor Department, employers added 12,000 jobs last month, much lower than the 223,000 created in September.

But while hiring slowed, the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1 per cent.

The closely watched figures, which give an indication about the strength of the US economy, are the last to be released before Americans head to the polls on Tuesday to elect the country’s next president.