Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The rise in U.S. private employment slowed considerably in August, rising less than expected by 54,000 jobs and is up 4.4% over last year, according to ADP. The ADP Employment Report for August showed the slight gain, which is much lower than forecast. Expectations of economists polled by Dow Jones were a rise of 75,000 private payrolls, showing an intense slowdown of hiring. The previous month showed a revised gain of 106,000, almost double August's 54,000. "The year started