U.S. private sector businesses lost 32,000 workers in September as growing concerns about the economy kept employers from expanding their payrolls, according to data released Wednesday.

The ADP National Employment Report showed another steep drop in the private sector labor market, which has lost steam throughout 2025.

"Despite the strong economic growth we saw in the second quarter, this month's release further validates what we've been seeing in the labor market, that U.S. employers have been cautious with hiring," said ADP chief economist Nela Richardson.

Small businesses took the brunt of the damage in September. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees lost 40,000 jobs last month, and midsized firms (between 50 and 499 employees) lost 20,000 jobs.

Large companies of 500 employees o

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