The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for August and the year to date is out. BLS writes,
Federal government employment continued to decline in August (-15,000) and is down by 97,000 since reaching a peak in January. (Employees on paid leave or receiving ongoing severance pay are counted as employed in the establishment survey.)
The overall report for August showed a job gain of 22,000, falling below expectations.