- Published

A boost in hospitality and education employment drove the US economy to create tens of thousands more jobs than expected last month, latest figures suggest.

The number of roles added to the world's biggest economy increased by 162,000 in August, almost triple the 56,000 forecast by analysts.

An increase in employment during the final month of the summer in restaurants and bars, as well as in local government education ahead of the new school year, was behind the rise.

The stronger jobs figures are likely to add to growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates later this month.

Weaker job figures released earlier in the summer were also revised up, revealing a stronger labour market than previously thought.