Job openings in the United States fell in August for the first time this year, but are still close to an all-time high. With the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the demand for labor has shaken slightly.

The number of job openings fell to 10.4 million in August and revised to 11.1 million in July, according to the Labor Department's Job Vacancy and Labor turnover Survey (JOLTS) released on Tuesday. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expect a median of 11 million.

At the same time, the increase in the number of voluntary departures highlights rising wages, signing incentives and a large number of job openings that are driving many people to change jobs. Turnover rate rises to a record 2.9%

Although job vacancies have fallen somewhat, they remain at a high level that does not match supply and demand in the labour market as a whole. Companies from manufacturers to restaurants are in urgent need of labour, but the labour force participation rate remains low amid continuing epidemic concerns, school openings and rising savings levels.

The easing of these factors should support hiring in the coming months, but the timing is unclear.