U.S. hiring takes big step back as businesses scramble for workers, raw materials 05/07/2021 | 02:46pm EDT Send by mail : Message : Required fields WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. job growth unexpectedly slowed in April, likely curbed by shortages of workers and raw materials as rapidly improving public health and massive government aid fueled an economic boom. The Labor Department's closely watched employment report on Friday, which showed a plunge in temporary help jobs - a harbinger for future hiring - as well as decreases in manufacturing, retail and courier services employment, sparked a heated debate about the generosity of unemployment benefits.