Applicant data summarized in the tables contained in this report pertain only to persons seeking employment through Bureau of Employment Programs Job Service offices. These data can serve as guidelines for available labor supply, but they do not consider applicants who seek employment through union halls, personal referrals, newspapers, or other methods.

Job openings summarized in the tables contained in this report pertain only to requests by employers for assistance from Bureau of Employment Programs Job Service offices in referring applicants to job openings. These data can serve as guidelines for labor demand, but they do not take into consideration vacancies filled through outside sources such as union halls, personal referrals, and newspaper advertising.

Hard-to-fill job openings are those which have remained unfilled for a month or more. Some openings may be difficult to fill because of the job environment, wage scales, or lack of qualified workers.

The Hours and Earnings Series is drawn from an average sample of full- and part-time production workers, as well as coal production workers who were employed during the pay period including the 12^th of the month. These averages are computed on a gross basis and reflect such factors as premium pay for overtime, shift differentials, incentive rates, and changes in basic hourly rates.