U.S. Commerce chief cites auto chips shortage in jobs report

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 7, 2021. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque     

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Friday the semiconductor shortage was a factor in April's jobs report that showed hiring unexpectedly slowed.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the auto sector shed 27,000 jobs in April as automakers were forced to cancel production shifts and furlough workers amid the chips shortage.