US private payrolls employment rises more than forecast in June, says ADP

Private sector employment in the US rose more than expected in June, driven by an increase in small-business jobs, according to ADP on Thursday.

Employers added 172,000 jobs last month, beating forecasts for a 160,000 increase. May’s employment gains were revised down to 168,000 from 173,000.

Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees accounted for 95,000 of the jobs added to economy, up from 84,000 in May.

Medium-sized businesses, with between 50 and 499 staff, added 52,000 jobs, down from 60,000 in May. Large business accounted for an extra 25,000.

The report comes ahead of Friday's non-farm payrolls report, which the Federal Reserve has been monitoring closely as it considers its policy measures.