NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Private companies continued to add jobs in March, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in February.

Businesses added 209,000 jobs in March, according to a report issued Wednesday by payroll-processing company ADP. Those job gains were slightly lower than forecasts for 217,000, and marked a slowdown from 230,000 private sector jobs added in February.

Strong jobs data throughout the winter has been partially attributed to unseasonably warm weather, which allows some firms — in construction, for example — to remain fully operational during colder months. Once that effect fades, economists are bracing for weaker job creation.  Read more