September 13, 2002 No Job Growth Yet Download this chart. The number of employees on private nonfarm payrolls fell by 2 million in the recession that began early in 2001. Employment is no longer declining sharply, but so far this year the economy is treading water when it comes to job creation. The most recent data show that the number of employees on private nonfarm payrolls in August was still slightly below its level at the end of 2001.