The number of people seeking first-time unemployment benefits rose by 4,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 372,000, evidence that the job market’s recovery remains modest and uneven.
The Labor Department said Thursday that the four-week average, a less volatile measure, increased 3,750 to 368,000.
Applications are a measure of the pace of layoffs. When they fall consistently below 375,000, it generally suggests hiring is strong enough to lower the unemployment rate.
News Tribune news services
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