WASHINGTON (Bloomberg)— The biggest decline in factory jobs in two years reported Friday by the Labor Department adds to signs that manufacturing is bearing the brunt of the slowdown in global growth.

Factory payrolls declined by 15,000 workers last month, the biggest drop in two years, according to figures from the Labor Department in Washington. The report also showed the work week shrank and the share of industries hiring plunged to the lowest level in almost three years.

Combined with earlier reports showing less demand for capital equipment and growing pessimism among purchasing managers, Friday's figures show manufacturing is pulling back. Companies such as Intel Corp. are among those cutting forecasts as business investment cools and economies from Europe to Asia slow.

Nashua foundation elects new directors

NASHUA —The Nashua Education Foundation has elected Ray Lambert and Bette Lasky to the board of directors for three-year terms.

Lambert has served on such organizations as The Front Door, Nashua Rotary Club and United Way of Greater Nashua. Lasky previously served as a state representative and senator.

They join board members Kathleen Allen, Melanson, Heath & Co.; Joy Barrett, Big Brother, Big Sisters of Greater Nashua; Scott Flegal, Flegal Law Office; Tim Hogan, Crowne Plaza Nashua; Mary Jordan, The Adult Learning Center; Beth Kreick, Nashua School District; Edwina Kwan; Deborah Novotny, People's United Bank; and Peter Tamposi, The Tamposi Law Group.

The board also elected officers for the 2012-2013 year: Mary Jordan, president; Tim Hogan, vice president; Edwina Kwan, secretary, and Kathleen Allen, treasurer.