U.S. jobless claims up slightly
An estimated 4,000 job hunters lined up for a job fair in South Los Angeles. Competition for every job is stiff. (Aug. 31, 2011) Credit: AP
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits ticked up slightly last week, evidence that the job market isn’t improving.
The Labor Department says weekly applications for unemployment benefits rose 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 414,000.
The report suggests companies aren’t significantly increasing layoffs, despite weak economic growth. But it also signals that little hiring is taking place. Applications need to fall below 375,000 to indicate sustainable job growth. They haven’t been below that level since February.
The four-week average, a less volatile measure, increased for the third straight week to 414,750.
Hurricane Irene didn’t affect applications. But the government estimated figures for several states because the Labor Day holiday delayed some reporting of data.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 25: Wrestling and hockey state championships On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay recap all the state wrestling action from Albany this past weekend, plus Jared Valluzzi has the ice hockey championship results from Binghamton.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 25: Wrestling and hockey state championships On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay recap all the state wrestling action from Albany this past weekend, plus Jared Valluzzi has the ice hockey championship results from Binghamton.
