When we saw the November figures last month, some were worried that the slower pace of hiring in the largest sector of payroll employment was a harbinger of something more serious. Turns out, there was nothing to worry about. A glance at the details of the hiring that was done revealed a 40,700 person gain in food service and drinking places, along with a 6,300 person gain in amusements, gambling, and recreation. Scattered gains elsewhere in the sector brought the total increase to 55,000.
