US job openings reach a 14-year high, and more workers quit

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. employers advertised the most jobs in 14 years in January, and more workers quit - both signs of a steadily strengthening job market.

The Labor Department says job openings rose 2.5 percent to nearly 5 million, the most since January 2001. The number of people quitting their jobs increased 3 percent to 2.8 million, the most in more than six years.

More quits are generally a sign of confidence in the economy, because people typically leave their jobs when they have another one lined up, often at higher pay, or are optimistic that they can find a new position.

The figures follow another strong monthly jobs report released Friday. Employers added 295,000 jobs in February, extending a robust streak of hiring that began last year.