Employers in the U.S. hired fewer workers than forecast in June, showing the labor market is making scant progress toward reducing joblessness. Payrolls rose 80,000 last month after a 77,000 increase in May, Labor Department figures showed today in Washington. Economists projected a 100,000 gain, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey. The unemployment rate held at 8.2 percent. Private employment, which excludes government agencies, increased 84,000 in June, the weakest in 10 months. Hiring has shifted into a lower gear, restricting consumers’ ability to boost spending as concern mounts about a ... (full story)