The number of available positions increased to 8.12 million during the month, the highest in data back to 2000, from an upwardly revised 7.53 million in February, the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS, showed Tuesday. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for 7.5 million openings.

The number of vacancies exceeded hires by more than 2 million, the largest gap on record and evidence of current hiring challenges. Many employers say they are unable to fill positions because of ongoing fears of catching the coronavirus, child-care responsibilities and generous unemployment benefits.

The number of vacancies is consistent with accelerating demand as the economy reopens, with many companies trying to fill positions lost during the pandemic.

In another sign the economy is strengthening, the median single-family home price rose by the most on record in the first quarter.

The number of people who voluntarily left their jobs increased to 3.51 million, while the quits rate held at 2.4%. Separations, which include both layoffs and quits, decreased to 5.32 million from 5.43 million as dismissals declined.

Restaurant vacancies

The increase in openings was fairly broad, including more available positions in accommodation and food services, manufacturing and construction. Openings in accommodation and food services approached 1 million in March, the second-most in data to 2000.

Hires increased to 6 million in March, while the hires rate rose to 4.2%.

The April employment report from the Labor Department last week showed that the U.S. added 266,000 jobs, far below economists estimates for a 1 million gain. The weaker-than-expected payroll increase against the backdrop of record-high job openings indicates that labor supply, rather than demand for workers, is holding back employment growth.

Job openings increased in all regions, led by bigger monthly gains in the Midwest and Northeast.

—With assistance from Jordan Yadoo.