Jobless Claims
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 444,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 448,000. The 4-week moving average was 450,500, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised average of 459,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.6 percent for the week ending May 1, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.6 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 1 was 4,627,000, an increase of 12,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,615,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,639,500, a decrease of 14,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,654,250. The fiscal year-to-date average of seasonally adjusted weekly insured unemployment, which corresponds to the appropriated AWIU trigger, was 5.174 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 407,267 in the week ending May 8, an increase of 11,132 from the previous week. There were 570,412 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5 percent during the week ending May 1, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 4,515,632, a decrease of 140,708 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.6 percent and the volume was 6,191,149. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending April 24. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,300 in the week ending May 1, an increase of 86 from the prior week. There were 2,289 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 97 from the preceding week. There were 18,944 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending April 24, a decrease of 267 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 36,699, a decrease of 500 from the prior week. States reported 5,137,385 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending April 24, a decrease of 216,874 from the prior week. There were 2,156,516 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 24 were in Alaska (6.6 percent), Puerto Rico (6.3), Oregon (5.8), Nevada (5.1), California (4.9), Pennsylvania (4.8), Wisconsin (4.8), Montana (4.7), North Carolina (4.6), Rhode Island (4.6), Connecticut (4.5), and Idaho (4.5). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 1 were in New York (+4,021), Kentucky (+1,015), Pennsylvania (+773), Illinois (+611), and Tennessee (+609), while the largest decreases were in California (-18,546), Massachusetts (-3,628), Indiana (-3,242), Michigan (-1,748), and Florida(-1,291).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 444,000, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 451,000. The 4-week moving average was 458,500, a decrease of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average of 463,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.6 percent for the week ending April 24, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.6 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 24 was 4,594,000, a decrease of 59,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,653,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,649,000, an increase of 8,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,641,000. The fiscal year-to-date average of seasonally adjusted weekly insured unemployment, which corresponds to the appropriated AWIU trigger, was 5.183 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 392,629 in the week ending May 1, a decrease of 33,783 from the previous week. There were 536,648 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.6 percent during the week ending April 24, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 4,635,631, a decrease of 152,657 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.7 percent and the volume was 6,280,863. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending April 17. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,214 in the week ending April 24, a decrease of 5 from the prior week. There were 2,386 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 57 from the preceding week. There were 19,211 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending April 17, a decrease of 990 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 37,199, an increase of 134 from the prior week. States reported 5,354,259 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending April 17, an increase of 153,786 from the prior week. There were 2,279,478 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 17 were in Alaska (6.6 percent), Puerto Rico (6.0), Oregon (5.8), Nevada (5.1), Wisconsin (5.1), California (5.0), Michigan (4.9), Montana (4.9), Pennsylvania (4.9), Idaho (4.7), and North Carolina (4.7). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending April 24 were in California (+6,418), Massachusetts (+4,526), Oregon (+3,117), Kentucky (+1,800), and Louisiana (+993), while the largest decreases were in Florida (-2,766), North Carolina (-2,650), New York (-2,601), Wisconsin (-2,522), and Georgia (-2,197).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending April 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 448,000, a decrease of 11,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 459,000. The 4-week moving average was 462,500, an increase of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 461,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.6 percent for the week ending April 17, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.6 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 17 was 4,645,000, a decrease of 18,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,663,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,639,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,648,000. The fiscal year-to-date average of seasonally adjusted weekly insured unemployment, which corresponds to the appropriated AWIU trigger, was 5.186 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 423,286 in the week ending April 24, a decrease of 11,171 from the previous week. There were 583,457 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.7 percent during the week ending April 17, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 4,779,335, a decrease of 144,978 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.7 percent and the volume was 6,339,490. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending April 10. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,219 in the week ending April 17, a decrease of 224 from the prior week. There were 2,441 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 23 from the preceding week. There were 20,197 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending April 10, an increase of 113 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 37,051, an increase of 455 from the prior week. States reported 5,200,473 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending April 10, a decrease of 146,641 from the prior week. There were 2,286,186 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 10 were in Alaska (6.6 percent), Puerto Rico (6.4), Oregon (5.9), Wisconsin (5.6), Pennsylvania (5.4), Nevada (5.2), California (5.0), Idaho (5.0), Montana (5.0), Michigan (4.9), and North Carolina (4.9). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending April 17 were in Puerto Rico (+3,549), Iowa (+1,606), Georgia (+1,412), Connecticut (+768), and Florida (+422), while the largest decreases were in New York (-21,010), California (-15,380), Pennsylvania (-4,512), Oregon (-4,317), and New Jersey(-3,777).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending April 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 460,000, an increase of 18,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 442,000. The 4-week moving average was 450,250, an increase of 2,250 from the previous week's revised average of 448,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5 percent for the week ending March 27, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.6 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending March 27 was 4,550,000, a decrease of 131,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,681,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,648,250, a decrease of 36,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,684,250. The fiscal year-to-date average of seasonally adjusted weekly insured unemployment, which corresponds to the appropriated AWIU trigger, was 5.236 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 414,657 in the week ending April 3, an increase of 6,492 from the previous week. There were 623,279 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.9 percent during the week ending March 27, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,027,944, a decrease of 168,431 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.8 percent and the volume was 6,451,690. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending March 20. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,187 in the week ending March 27, a decrease of 76 from the prior week. There were 2,311 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 106 from the preceding week. There were 21,025 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending March 20, a decrease of 1,776 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 36,877, an increase of 706 from the prior week. States reported 5,593,484 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending March 20, a decrease of 300,853 from the prior week. There were 2,251,784 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending March 20 were in Alaska (7.1 percent), Puerto Rico (6.1), Oregon (6.0), Wisconsin (5.7), Montana (5.6), Idaho (5.5), Michigan (5.4), Pennsylvania (5.4), Nevada (5.3), and Rhode Island (5.2). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending March 27 were in Texas (+3,640), Oregon (+2,412), New Jersey (+1,715), California (+1,275), and Kentucky (+926), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-2,240), Illinois (-1,872), Oklahoma (-1,270), Missouri (-1,079), and North Carolina (-673).
MARCH 25, 2010 CLAIMS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 457,000, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 462,000. The 4-week moving average was 471,250, a decrease of 4,250 from the previous week's unrevised average of 475,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5 percent for the week ending March 6, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.5 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending March 6 was 4,579,000, an increase of 12,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,567,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,575,250, a decrease of 8,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,583,250. The fiscal year-to-date average of seasonally adjusted weekly insured unemployment, which corresponds to the appropriated AWIU trigger, was 5.166 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 432,166 in the week ending March 13, a decrease of 28,083 from the previous week. There were 601,163 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009.
The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.1 percent during the week ending March 6, a decrease of 0.2 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,375,836, a decrease of 163,482 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.7 percent and the volume was 6,357,202. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending Feb. 27. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,357 in the week ending March 6, an increase of 67 from the prior week. There were 2,383 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 48 from the preceding week. There were 23,693 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Feb. 27, an increase of 738 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 36,501, a decrease of 84 from the prior week. States reported 5,888,048 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Feb. 27, an increase of 360,123 from the prior week. There were 2,086,682 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Feb. 27 were in Alaska (7.2 percent), Oregon (6.3), Pennsylvania (6.3), Idaho (6.2), Montana (6.1), Wisconsin (6.1), Puerto Rico (6.0), Michigan (5.6), Nevada (5.6), North Carolina (5.4), and Rhode Island (5.4). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending March 6 were in North Carolina (+5,100), Illinois (+2,461), Oregon (+1,542), Ohio (+1,301), and Alabama (+1,274), while the largest decreases were in New York (-10,929), California (-7,235), Connecticut (-2,082), Kentucky (-1,950), and West Virginia (-827). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE DATA FOR REGULAR STATE PROGRAMS
Advance
Prior1 WEEK ENDING
March 13
March 6
Change
Feb. 27
Year Initial Claims (SA)
457,000
462,000
-5,000
468,000
644,000 Initial Claims (NSA)
432,166
460,249
-28,083
471,256
601,163 4-Wk Moving Average (SA)
471,250
475,500
-4,250
470,500
650,000
Advance
Prior1 WEEK ENDING
March 6
Feb. 27
Change
Feb. 20
Year Ins. Unemployment (SA)
4,579,000
4,567,000
+12,000
4,521,000
5,438,000 Ins. Unemployment (NSA)
5,375,836
5,539,318
-163,482
5,597,137
6,357,202 4-Wk Moving Average (SA)
4,575,250
4,583,250
-8,000
4,581,000
5,207,500 Ins. Unemployment Rate (SA)2
3.5%
3.5%
0.0
3.5%
4.1% Ins. Unemployment Rate (NSA)2
4.1%
4.3%
-0.2
4.3%
4.7% INITIAL CLAIMS FILED IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS (UNADJUSTED)
Prior1 WEEK ENDING
March 6
Feb. 27
Change
Year Federal Employees
1,357
1,290
+67
1,197 Newly Discharged Veterans
2,383
2,335
+48
2,076 PERSONS CLAIMING UI BENEFITS IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS (UNADJUSTED)
Prior1 WEEK ENDING
Feb. 27
Feb. 20
Change
Year Federal Employees
23,693
22,955
+738
19,888 Newly Discharged Veterans
36,501
36,585
-84
28,791 Railroad Retirement Board
11,000
11,000
0
9,000 Extended Benefits
155,952
163,291
-7,339
5,011 EUC 20083
5,888,048
5,527,925
+360,123
2,086,682 FOOTNOTES
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 462,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 468,000. The 4-week moving average was 475,500, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's revised average of 470,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5 percent for the week ending Feb. 27, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.5 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb. 27 was 4,558,000, an increase of 37,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,521,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,581,000, unchanged from the preceding week's revised average of 4,581,000. The fiscal year-to-date average of seasonally adjusted weekly insured unemployment, which corresponds to the appropriated AWIU trigger, was 5.170 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 460,287 in the week ending March 6, a decrease of 10,969 from the previous week. There were 652,636 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.2 percent during the week ending Feb. 27, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,528,856, a decrease of 68,281 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.8 percent and the volume was 6,361,354. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending Feb. 20. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,290 in the week ending Feb. 27, an increase of 93 from the prior week. There were 2,335 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 388 from the preceding week. There were 22,955 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Feb. 20, a decrease of 822 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 36,585, an increase of 1,113 from the prior week. States reported 5,527,925 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Feb. 20, a decrease of 159,649 from the prior week. There were 2,068,413 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Feb. 20 were in Alaska (7.4 percent), Oregon (6.4), Idaho (6.3), Pennsylvania (6.2), Wisconsin (6.2), Montana (6.1), Puerto Rico (6.0), Michigan (5.7), Nevada (5.6), and Rhode Island (5.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Feb. 27 were in California (+16,112), New York (+12,263), Florida (+2,516), Texas (+1,440), and Nevada (+947), while the largest decreases were in Pennsylvania (-4,772), Massachusetts (-4,504), New Jersey (-3,972), Kentucky (-3,633), and Missouri(-1,661).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 496,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 474,000. The 4-week moving average was 473,750, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's revised average of 467,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5 percent for the week ending Feb. 13, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.5 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb. 13 was 4,617,000, an increase of 6,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,611,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,600,750, an increase of 4,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,596,500. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 5.209 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 452,468 in the week ending Feb. 20, a decrease of 25,767 from the previous week. There were 605,668 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.2 percent during the week ending Feb. 13, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,527,142, a decrease of 70,546 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.6 percent and the volume was 6,108,398. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending Feb. 6. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,196 in the week ending Feb. 13, a decrease of 240 from the prior week. There were 2,174 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 108 from the preceding week. There were 24,095 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Feb. 6, a decrease of 2,215 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 36,429 a decrease of 18 from the prior week. States reported 5,479,942 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Feb. 6, a decrease of 317,933 from the prior week. There were 1,847,439 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Feb. 6 were in Alaska (7.5 percent), Oregon (6.5), Idaho (6.4), Montana (6.2), Wisconsin (6.2), Michigan (5.9), Puerto Rico (5.9), Nevada (5.8), Pennsylvania (5.7), and North Carolina (5.5). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Feb. 13 were in North Carolina (+5,897), Pennsylvania (+2,813), Kentucky (+2,510), Virginia (+559), and Puerto Rico (+468), while the largest decreases were in California (-5,540), Illinois (-3,858), New York (-2,747), Texas (-2,636), and Missouri (-2,534).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 440,000, a decrease of 43,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 483,000. The 4-week moving average was 468,500, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised average of 469,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5 percent for the week ending Jan. 30, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.5 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Jan. 30 was 4,538,000, a decrease of 79,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,617,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,603,500, a decrease of 17,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,621,250. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 5.322 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 504,661 in the week ending Feb. 6, a decrease of 28,640 from the previous week. There were 710,152 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.3 percent during the week ending Jan. 30, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,659,505, a decrease of 24,352 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.4 percent and the volume was 5,953,114. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending Jan. 23. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,569 in the week ending Jan. 30, an increase of 89 from the prior week. There were 2,242 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 375 from the preceding week. There were 25,878 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Jan. 23, a decrease of 289 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 37,423, an increase of 1,646 from the prior week. States reported 5,447,592 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Jan. 23, a decrease of 184,627 from the prior week. There were 1,805,007 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Jan. 23 were in Alaska (7.5 percent), Oregon (6.7), Idaho (6.5), Wisconsin (6.4), Puerto Rico (6.3), Montana (6.2), Pennsylvania (6.2), Nevada (5.9), Michigan (5.8), and Rhode Island (5.5). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Jan. 30 were in Pennsylvania (+10,495), Illinois (+3,062), North Carolina (+2,868), Georgia (+2,803), and Missouri (+2,677), while the largest decreases were in New Jersey (-1,819), Kansas (-1,600), Connecticut (-1,282), Virginia (-1,227), and Puerto Rico (-911).
MYWAY.COM Full article December 17, 2009 Jobless Claims up MY WAY
Yahoo!
Reuters U.S. Sept non-farm payrolls plunge 263,000
On Friday October 2, 2009, 8:32 am EDT Excerpts: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. employers cut a deeper-than-expected 263,000 jobs in September, lifting the unemployment rate to 9.8 percent, according to a government report on Friday that fueled fears the weak labor market could undermine economic recovery.Reuters - A worker constructs a new home in Geneva, Illinois, June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes ...
The Labor Department said the unemployment rate was the highest since June 1983 and payrolls had now dropped for 21 consecutive months. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected non-farm payrolls to drop 180,000 in September and the unemployment rate to rise to 9.8 percent from 9.7 percent the prior month. The poll was conducted before reports, including regional manufacturing surveys, showed some deterioration in employment measures. Full article Lucia Mutikani Yahoo! THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION -- SEPTEMBER 2009
Different Promotions Each Week This Week 7% Off Examine Delicious Home Style Dinners Under "Our Menus"
Nonfarm payroll employment continued to decline in September (-263,000), andthe unemployment rate (9.8 percent) continued to trend up, the U.S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics reported today. The largest job losses were in construction,manufacturing, retail trade, and government. Household Survey Data Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the number of unemployedpersons has increased by 7.6 million to 15.1 million, and the unemploymentrate has doubled to 9.8 percent. (See table A-1.) Unemployment rates for the major worker groups--adult men (10.3 percent),adult women (7.8 percent), teenagers (25.9 percent), whites (9.0 percent),blacks (15.4 percent), and Hispanics (12.7 percent)--showed little changein September. The unemployment rate for Asians was 7.4 percent, not season-ally adjusted. The rates for all major worker groups are much higher thanat the start of the recession. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.) Among the unemployed, the number of job losers and persons who completedtemporary jobs rose by 603,000 to 10.4 million in September. The number oflong-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) rose by 450,000to 5.4 million. In September, 35.6 percent of unemployed persons were job-less for 27 weeks or more. (See tables A-8 and A-9.) The civilian labor force participation rate declined by 0.3 percentage pointin September to 65.2 percent. The employment-population ratio, at 58.8 per-cent, also declined over the month and has decreased by 3.9 percentage pointssince the recession began in December 2007. (See table A-1.) In September, the number of persons working part time for economic reasons(sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was little changedat 9.2 million. The number of such workers rose sharply throughout most ofthe fall and winter but has been little changed since March. (See table A-5.) About 2.2 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force inSeptember, an increase of 615,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not sea-sonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted andwere available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched forwork in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. (See table A-13.) Among the marginally attached, there were 706,000 discouraged workers inSeptember, up by 239,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonallyadjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for workbecause they believe no jobs are available for them. The other 1.5 millionpersons marginally attached to the labor force in September had not searchedfor work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as schoolattendance or family responsibilities. Establishment Survey Data Total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 263,000 in September. From Maythrough September, job losses averaged 307,000 per month, compared with los-ses averaging 645,000 per month from November 2008 to April. Since the startof the recession in December 2007, payroll employment has fallen by 7.2 mil-lion. (See table B-1.) In September, construction employment declined by 64,000. Monthly job los-ses averaged 66,000 from May through September, compared with an average of117,000 per month from November to April. September job cuts were concen-trated in the industry's nonresidential components (-39,000) and in heavyconstruction (-12,000). Since December 2007, employment in construction hasfallen by 1.5 million. Employment in manufacturing fell by 51,000 in September. Over the past 3months, job losses have averaged 53,000 per month, compared with an averagemonthly loss of 161,000 from October to June. Employment in manufacturinghas contracted by 2.1 million since the onset of the recession. In the service-providing sector, the number of jobs in retail trade fell by39,000 in September. From April through September, retail employment hasfallen by an average of 29,000 per month, compared with an average monthlyloss of 68,000 for the prior 6-month period. Government employment was down by 53,000 in September, with the largestdecline occurring in the non-education component of local government(-24,000). Employment in health care continued to increase in September (19,000), withthe largest gain occurring in ambulatory health care services (15,000).Health care has added 559,000 jobs since the beginning of the recession,although the average monthly job gain thus far in 2009 (22,000) is down fromthe average monthly gain during 2008 (30,000). Employment in transportation and warehousing continued to trend down inSeptember. The number of jobs in financial activities, professional andbusiness services, leisure and hospitality, and information showed littleor no change over the month. In September, the average workweek for production and nonsupervisory workerson private nonfarm payrolls edged down by 0.1 hour to 33.0 hours. Both themanufacturing workweek and factory overtime decreased by 0.1 hour over themonth, to 39.8 and 2.8 hours, respectively. (See table B-2.) In September, average hourly earnings of production and nonsupervisoryworkers on private nonfarm payrolls edged up by 1 cent, or 0.1 percent, to$18.67. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have risen by 2.5percent, while average weekly earnings have risen by only 0.7 percent dueto declines in the average workweek. (See table B-3.) The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for July was revised from-276,000 to -304,000, and the change for August was revised from -216,000to -201,000. _____________The Employment Situation for October is scheduled to be released onFriday, November 6, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. (EST).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Sept. 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 545,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 557,000. The 4-week moving average was 563,000, a decrease of 8,750 from the previous week's revised average of 571,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.7 percent for the week ending Sept. 5, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 4.6 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Sept. 5 was 6,230,000, an increase of 129,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 6,101,000. The 4-week moving average was 6,180,250, a decrease of 5,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 6,185,750. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 5.636 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 407,869 in the week ending Sept. 12, a decrease of 58,429 from the previous week. There were 382,249 initial claims in the comparable week in 2008. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.0 percent during the week ending Sept. 5, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,270,688, a decrease of 165,485 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3 percent and the volume was 3,040,859. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending Aug. 29. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,539 in the week ending Sept. 5, an increase of 83 from the prior week. There were 2,195 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 42 from the preceding week. There were 20,414 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Aug. 29, an increase of 699 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 30,213, a decrease of 563 from the prior week. States reported 3,141,485 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Aug. 29, an increase of 21,781 from the prior week. There were 1,525,890 claimants in the comparable week in 2008. EUC weekly claims include both first and second tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Aug. 29 were in Puerto Rico (6.8 percent), Oregon (5.7), Pennsylvania (5.7), Nevada (5.5), Michigan (5.2), Connecticut (5.1), New Jersey (5.1), California (5.0), Wisconsin (5.0), North Carolina (4.8), and Rhode Island (4.8). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Sept. 5 were in Washington (+2,620), Pennsylvania (+2,573), Massachusetts(+1,565), North Carolina (+1,332), and Illinois (+1,218), while the largest decreases were in California (-2,751), New York (-2,479), Wisconsin (-1,149), Texas (-809), and New Jersey (-700).
Business Week Average Work Week Down To 33 Hours Jobs Report: A Blow to Optimism A dismal June jobs report offers few, if any, "green shoots." Will a soft labor market slow a recovery? By Moira Herbst
Excerpts: Don't get your hopes up. That's the signal the job market seemed to send economic pontificators on July 2, as U.S. employers cut a larger-than-expected 467,000 jobs in June, according to the Labor Dept. The U.S. unemployment rate hit a 26-year high of 9.5%. "Today's Labor Dept. report again indicates how the recovery continues to elude the job market," says Christine Owens, executive director of the National Employment Law Project, an advocacy group for low-wage and unemployed workers. "The jobs recession has reached extreme levels." It's a decidedly more gloomy report than the one in May, which showed that the economy lost 345,000 jobs during that month, far fewer than the 550,000 jobs economists had expected. May marked the fourth consecutive month of slowing job losses, leading some economists to think the trend would continue.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA
In the week ending May 16, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 631,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 643,000. The 4-week moving average was 628,500, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 632,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 5.0 percent for the week ending May 9, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 4.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 9 was 6,662,000, an increase of 75,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 6,587,000. The 4-week moving average was 6,480,500, an increase of 131,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 6,349,500. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 5.071 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 536,588 in the week ending May 16, a decrease of 33,824 from the previous week. There were 319,694 initial claims in the comparable week in 2008. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.6 percent during the week ending May 9, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 6,189,434, a decrease of 2,110 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.1 percent and the volume was 2,847,329. Extended benefits were available in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin during the week ending May 2. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,174 in the week ending May 9, a decrease of 44 from the prior week. There were 1,751 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 67 from the preceding week. There were 15,868 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending May 2, a decrease of 553 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 28,542, an increase of 21 from the prior week. States reported 2,268,367 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending May 2, an increase of 111,851 from the prior week. EUC weekly claims include both first and second tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending May 2 were in Oregon (7.4 percent), Michigan (6.9), Puerto Rico (6.6), Nevada (6.4), Pennsylvania (6.3), Wisconsin (6.2), Idaho (6.0), California (5.6), Alaska (5.5), New Jersey (5.4), and North Carolina (5.4). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 9 were in Michigan (+16,817), North Carolina (+3,783), Virginia (+2,871), Kentucky (+2,768), and Pennsylvania (+2,444), while the largest decreases were in California (-10,052), Wisconsin (-1,691), Kansas (-1,415), Oklahoma (-1,084), and Washington (-843).
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 627,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised figure of 627,000.
The 4-week moving average was 619,000, an increase of 10,500 from the previous week's revised average of 608,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.7 percent for the week ending Feb. 7, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.6 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb. 7 was 4,987,000, an increase of 170,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,817,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,839,500, an increase of 92,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,747,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 615,232 in the week ending Feb. 14, a decrease of 94,921 from the previous week. There were 325,754 initial claims in the comparable week in 2008. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.5 percent during the week ending Feb. 7, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,959,930, an increase of 10,719 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,315,409. Extended benefits were available in Alaska, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island during the week ending Jan. 31. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,483 in the week ending Feb. 7, a decrease of 146 from the prior week. There were 1,998 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 50 from the preceding week. There were 21,105 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Jan. 31, an increase of 894 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 27,830, a decrease of 106 from the prior week. States reported 1,551,146 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Jan. 31, an increase of 61,727 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Jan. 31 were in Michigan (8.1 percent), Idaho (7.0), Oregon (7.0), Pennsylvania (6.4), Wisconsin (6.3), Nevada (5.9), Alaska (5.8), Montana (5.6), Rhode Island (5.6), and Indiana (5.5). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Feb. 7 were in Kentucky (+8,419), Arkansas (+4,142), Illinois (+3,630), Texas (+3,392), and Missouri (+3,217), while the largest decreases were in California (-5,249), Tennessee (-1,718), Iowa (-1,413), Connecticut (-1,267), and South Carolina(-1,059).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Jan. 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 589,000, an increase of 62,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 527,000. The 4-week moving average was 519,250, unchanged from the previous week's revised average of 519,250.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.4 percent for the week ending Jan. 10, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.4 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Jan. 10 was 4,607,000, an increase of 97,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,510,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,559,750, an increase of 58,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,501,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 768,858 in the week ending Jan. 17, a decrease of 187,905 from the previous week. There were 415,149 initial claims in the comparable week in 2008. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.2 percent during the week ending Jan. 10, a decrease of 0.2 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,638,630, a decrease of 211,240 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.5 percent and the volume was 3,272,000. Extended benefits were available in North Carolina, Oregon, and Rhode Island during the week ending Jan. 3. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 2,605 in the week ending Jan. 10, an increase of 1,171 from the prior week. There were 2,316 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 773 from the preceding week. There were 21,070 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Jan. 3, an increase of 1,378 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 26,958, an increase of 1,068 from the prior week. States reported 2,091,706 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Jan. 3, an increase of 425,928 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Jan. 3 were in Michigan (7.5 percent), Oregon (7.5), Idaho (6.7), Wisconsin (6.7), Pennsylvania (6.6), Indiana (5.7), Kentucky (5.7), North Carolina (5.7), South Carolina (5.6), and Rhode Island (5.5). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Jan. 10 were in Michigan (+34,639), California (+22,573), Florida (+20,658), North Carolina (+15,637), and Pennsylvania (+13,848), while the largest decreases were in South Carolina (-2,682), Massachusetts (-1,882), New York (-1,852), Iowa (-1,593), and Oregon (-856).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Dec. 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 586,000, an increase of 30,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 556,000. The 4-week moving average was 558,000, an increase of 13,750 from the previous week's revised average of 544,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.3 percent for the week ending Dec. 13, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Dec. 13 was 4,370,000, a decrease of 17,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,387,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,319,750, an increase of 93,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,226,750. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 715,496 in the week ending Dec. 20, an increase of 85,629 from the previous week. There were 456,272 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.4 percent during the week ending Dec. 13, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 4,592,793, an increase of 214,520 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.1 percent and the volume was 2,813,055.
Extended benefits were available in North Carolina and Rhode Island during the week ending Dec. 6. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 2,199 in the week ending Dec. 13, an increase of 144 from the prior week. There were 2,056 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 34 from the preceding week. There were 18,460 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Dec. 6, an increase of 281 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 24,744, a decrease of 1,563 from the prior week. States reported 1,426,540 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Dec. 6, an increase of 492,078 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Dec. 6 were in Oregon (5.2 percent), Puerto Rico (5.2), Michigan (4.9), Idaho (4.7), Pennsylvania (4.7), Nevada (4.6), Wisconsin (4.3), South Carolina (4.2), California (4.1), Alaska (4.0), Arkansas (4.0), and New Jersey (4.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Dec. 13 were in Oklahoma (+1,590), Connecticut (+1,286), Illinois (+962), Maine (+707), and Utah (+402), while the largest decreases were in North Carolina (-20,526), California (-16,493), Pennsylvania (-12,438), Georgia (-12,053), and South Carolina (-8,432).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Nov. 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 516,000, an increase of 32,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 484,000. The 4-week moving average was 491,000, an increase of 13,250 from the previous week's revised average of 477,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending Nov. 1, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Nov. 1 was 3,897,000, an increase of 65,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,832,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,794,250, an increase of 43,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,751,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 539,868 in the week ending Nov. 8, an increase of 73,527 from the previous week. There were 351,760 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent during the week ending Nov. 1, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,452,619, an increase of 141,541 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,292,297. Extended benefits were available in North Carolina and Rhode Island during the week ending Oct 25. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,459 in the week ending Nov. 1, an increase of 92 from the prior week. There were 1,608 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 154 from the preceding week. There were 14,511 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Oct. 25, an increase of 84 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,407, an increase of 350 from the prior week. States reported 756,683 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Oct. 25, a decrease of 16,366 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Oct. 25 were in Puerto Rico (5.1 percent), Oregon (3.7), Nevada (3.6), Michigan (3.5), California (3.4), New Jersey (3.3), South Carolina (3.3), Pennsylvania (3.2), Arkansas (3.1), Alaska (3.0), and North Carolina (3.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Nov. 1 were in Ohio (+3,885), Michigan (+2,619), Pennsylvania (+2,155), Wisconsin (+2,119), and Arizona (+1,692), while the largest decreases were in California (-3,603), Florida (-2,327), Nevada (-943), South Carolina (-824), and Indiana (-621).
In the week ending Nov. 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 481,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 485,000. The 4-week moving average was 477,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised average of 477,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending Oct. 25, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.8 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Oct. 25 was 3,843,000, an increase of 122,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,721,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,754,000, an increase of 43,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,711,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 463,932 in the week ending Nov. 1, an increase of 14,543 from the previous week. There were 325,831 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending Oct. 25, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,319,936, an increase of 86,818 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,261,001. Extended benefits were available in North Carolina and Rhode Island during the week ending Oct 18. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,367 in the week ending Oct. 25, an increase of 4 from the prior week. There were 1,762 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 250 from the preceding week. There were 14,427 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Oct. 18, an increase of 421 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,057, an increase of 167 from the prior week. States reported 773,049 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Oct. 18, a decrease of 205,093 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Oct. 18 were in Oregon (3.6 percent), the Virgin Islands (3.6), Michigan (3.5), Nevada (3.5), California (3.4), Puerto Rico (3.4), South Carolina (3.3), Arkansas (3.2), New Jersey (3.2), and Pennsylvania (3.2). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Oct. 25 were in Pennsylvania (+5,579), California (+4,617), Illinois (+4,314), Ohio (+3,949), and North Carolina (+3,179), while the largest decreases were in Texas (-5,898), Tennessee (-2,078), Kansas (-1,067), Arkansas (-1,003), and Florida(-661).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA
In the week ending Oct. 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 478,000, an increase of 15,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 463,000. It is estimated that the effects of Hurricane Ike in Texas added approximately 12,000 claims to the total. The 4-week moving average was 480,250, a decrease of 4,500 from the previous week's revised average of 484,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.8 percent for the week ending Oct. 11, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.8 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Oct. 11 was 3,720,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,726,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,680,000, an increase of 44,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,635,750. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 415,012 in the week ending Oct. 18, a decrease of 38,986 from the previous week. There were 307,675 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending Oct. 11, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,128,523, an increase of 54,509 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,175,026. Extended benefits were available in Alaska and Rhode Island during the week ending Oct 4. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,653 in the week ending Oct. 11, an increase of 9 from the prior week. There were 1,911 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 81 from the preceding week. There were 13,534 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Oct. 4, an increase of 113 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,337, a decrease of 407 from the prior week. States reported 1,095,178 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Oct. 4, a decrease of 290,197 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Oct. 4 were in Puerto Rico (5.1 percent), Nevada (3.3), Oregon (3.3), Michigan (3.2), California (3.1), New Jersey (3.1), South Carolina (3.1), Pennsylvania (2.9), Rhode Island (2.9), North Carolina (2.8), and the Virgin Islands (2.8). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Oct. 11 were in New York (+5,224), Michigan (+3,383), Florida (+3,007), California (+2,781), and South Carolina (+2,723), while the largest decreases were in Texas (-5,968), Ohio (-4,317), Alabama (-1,534), Louisiana (-828), and Delaware (-827).
CARPE DIEM Professor Mark J. Perry's Blog for Economics and Finance
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1 Of 3 States Have Jobless Rates Below 5%
Full article Professor Mark J. Perry Carpe Diem Excerpts:
The September unemployment rate for the U.S. is 6.1%. For individual states, the jobless rate ranges from a low of 3.2% in South Dakota (shortest bar above in graph), to a high of 8.8% in Rhode Island (tallest bar above in graph). Michigan at 8.7% in September is finally not the #1 state in the country for the first month in a long time. Some interesting facts: 1. By state (without adjusting for population), the mean (average) state unemployment rate is 5.63% and the median state unemployment rate is 5.6% (half of U.S. states have jobless rates below 5.6% and half are above 5.6%). 2. The average jobless rate is only 3.8% for the ten states with the lowest unemployment rates (SD, WY, NE, UT, ND, OK, NM, NH, IA and VA).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA
 Custom Search
Today's IRS Tax Tip In the week ending Oct. 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 461,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 477,000. It is estimated that the effects of Hurricane Ike in Texas added approximately 12,000 claims to the total. The 4-week moving average was 483,250, an increase of 750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 482,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.8 percent for the week ending Oct. 4, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.7 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Oct. 4 was 3,711,000, an increase of 40,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,671,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,632,000, an increase of 65,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,566,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 451,776 in the week ending Oct. 11, an increase of 28,052 from the previous week. There were 306,519 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending Oct. 4, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,061,651, an increase of 3,666 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,097,457. Extended benefits were available in Alaska and Rhode Island during the week ending Sept. 27. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,642 in the week ending Oct. 4, an increase of 541 from the prior week. There were 1,850 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 167 from the preceding week. There were 13,422 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Sept. 27, an increase of 97 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,744, an increase of 574 from the prior week. States reported 1,345,375 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Sept. 27, an increase of 278,298 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Sept. 27 were in Puerto Rico (5.3 percent), California (3.2), Michigan (3.2), Nevada (3.2), Oregon (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), South Carolina (3.0), Pennsylvania (2.9), the Virgin Islands (2.8), Arkansas (2.7), North Carolina (2.7), and Rhode Island (2.7). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Oct. 4 were in Ohio (+7,217), California (+6,003), Michigan (+5,661), Florida (+4,253), and Alabama (+3,471), while the largest decreases were in Texas (-21,249), Louisiana (-5,461), Mississippi (-1,108), Washington (-809), and Kentucky (-525). In the week ending Oct. 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 478,000, a decrease of 20,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 498,000. It is estimated that the effects of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana and the effects of Hurricane Ike in Texas added approximately 17,000 claims to the total. The 4-week moving average was 482,500, an increase of 8,250 from the previous week's revised average of 474,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.7 percent for the week ending Sept. 27, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.7 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Sept. 27 was 3,659,000, an increase of 56,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,603,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,563,250, an increase of 31,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,531,500. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 424,307 in the week ending Oct. 4, an increase of 32,092 from the previous week. There were 298,317 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending Sept. 27, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,048,077, an increase of 29,101 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,112,935. Extended benefits were available in Alaska and Rhode Island during the week ending Sept. 20. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,101 in the week ending Sept. 27, an increase of 13 from the prior week. There were 1,683 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 44 from the preceding week. There were 13,325 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Sept. 20, a decrease of 404 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,170, an increase of 50 from the prior week. States reported 1,067,077 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Sept. 20, a decrease of 364,677 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Sept. 20 were in Puerto Rico (4.7 percent), California (3.2), Michigan (3.2), Nevada (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), Oregon (3.1), South Carolina (3.0), Pennsylvania (2.9), Rhode Island (2.8), Arkansas (2.7), and North Carolina (2.7). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Sept. 27 were in Texas (+13,538), Kentucky (+3,680), Mississippi (+1,505), Washington (+924), and New York (+782), while the largest decreases were in Louisiana (-17,816), Florida (-6,853), Michigan (-1,559), Ohio (-1,490), and Puerto Rico (-814). The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 390,837 in the week ending Sept. 27, a decrease of 7,233 from the previous week. There were 255,431 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending Sept. 20, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,009,578, a decrease of 5,296 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,140,701. Extended benefits were available in Alaska and Rhode Island during the week ending Sept. 13. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,088 in the week ending Sept. 20, an increase of 11 from the prior week. There were 1,639 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 190 from the preceding week. There were 13,729 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Sept. 13, an increase of 342 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,120, an increase of 199 from the prior week. States reported 1,431,754 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Sept. 13, an increase of 374,830 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Sept. 13 were in Puerto Rico (5.2 percent), Michigan (3.3), California (3.2), New Jersey (3.2), Oregon (3.2), Nevada (3.1), Pennsylvania (3.0), South Carolina (3.0), Rhode Island (2.8), and Arkansas (2.7). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Sept. 20 were in Texas (+22,235), Louisiana (+9,671), Washington (+2,407), Michigan (+1,640), and Ohio (+1,426), while the largest decreases were in Kansas (-3,223), South Carolina (-2,730), North Carolina (-2,617), New York (-1,973), and Tennessee (-1,593). In the week ending Aug. 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 444,000, an increase of 15,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 429,000. The 4-week moving average was 438,000, a decrease of 3,250 from the previous week's revised average of 441,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending Aug. 23, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.6 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Aug. 23 was 3,435,000, an increase of 6,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,429,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,400,250, an increase of 33,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,367,000. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 3.006 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 353,501 in the week ending Aug. 30, an increase of 8,374 from the previous week. There were 257,454 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending Aug. 23, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,125,951, a decrease of 49,055 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.8 percent and the volume was 2,353,210. Extended benefits were available in Alaska and Rhode Island during the week ending Aug. 16. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,020 in the week ending Aug. 23, a decrease of 41 from the prior week. There were 1,737 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 32 from the preceding week. There were 14,263 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Aug. 16, an increase of 639 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,621, an increase of 238 from the prior week. States reported 1,394,749 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Aug. 16, a decrease of 384,050 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Aug. 16 were in Puerto Rico (5.3 percent), Michigan (3.6), New Jersey (3.5), Rhode Island (3.4), California (3.3), Pennsylvania (3.3), Oregon (3.2), Connecticut (3.1), Nevada (3.1), and South Carolina (3.1). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Aug. 23 were in Texas (+2,072), Wisconsin (+1,883), New York (+1,488), Alabama (+1,168), and Michigan (+874), while the largest decreases were in Georgia (-2,229), Pennsylvania (-1,632), North Carolina (-1,551), Iowa (-1,485), and Missouri(-1,230). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Aug. 23, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 425,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 435,000. The 4-week moving average was 440,250, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised average of 446,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending Aug. 16, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.5 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Aug. 16 was 3,423,000, an increase of 64,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,359,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,365,500, an increase of 36,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,329,250. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.994 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 341,781 in the week ending Aug.23, a decrease of 1,388 from the previous week. There were 266,179 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent during the week ending Aug. 16, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,169,957, an increase of 9,347 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.8 percent and the volume was 2,369,648. Extended benefits were available in Alaska and Rhode Island during the week ending Aug. 9. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,061 in the week ending Aug. 16, a decrease of 90 from the prior week. There were 1,705 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 21 from the preceding week. There were 13,624 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Aug. 9, a decrease of 505 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,383, an increase of 462 from the prior week. States reported 980,695 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Aug. 9, a decrease of 313,633 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Aug. 9 were in Puerto Rico (4.9 percent), New Jersey (3.4), Michigan (3.3), Pennsylvania (3.3), Rhode Island (3.3), California (3.2), Massachusetts (3.2), Oregon (3.2), Nevada (3.1), and South Carolina (3.1). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Aug. 16 were in Florida (+932), Iowa (+657), Missouri (+567), Puerto Rico (+560), and Oklahoma (+403), while the largest decreases were in California (-7,862), Illinois (-3,546), Ohio (-3,410), Georgia (-2,903), and New York (-2,178).  Custom Search UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 448,000, an increase of 44,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 404,000. The 4-week moving average was 393,000, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week's revised average of 382,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending July 19, an increase of 0.2 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 19 was 3,282,000, an increase of 185,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,097,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,174,500, an increase of 42,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,131,750. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.957 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 375,627 in the week ending July 26, a decrease of 36,898 from the previous week. There were 257,426 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent during the week ending July 19, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,213,405, an increase of 48,639 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.9 percent and the volume was 2,463,232. Extended benefits were available in Alaska during the week ending July 12. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,434 in the week ending July 19, a decrease of 347 from the prior week. There were 1,706 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 149 from the preceding week. There were 12,790 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending July 12, an increase of 162 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 20,538, an increase of 487 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending July 12 were in Puerto Rico (5.0 percent), Michigan (3.7), New Jersey (3.4), Rhode Island (3.4), Pennsylvania (3.3), Oregon (3.2), Wisconsin (3.2), California (3.1), Connecticut (2.9), Massachusetts (2.9), and Nevada (2.9). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 19 were in Florida (+4,178), Wisconsin (+2,982), Louisiana (+1,212), Illinois (+1,206), and Texas (+1,162), while the largest decreases were in New York (-20,450), Michigan (-6,598), Missouri (-5,065), Pennsylvania (-4,696), and Georgia(-4,347) UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 406,000, an increase of 34,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 372,000. The 4-week moving average was 382,500, an increase of 4,500 from the previous week's revised average of 378,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending July 12, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 12 was 3,107,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,116,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,134,250, a decrease of 7,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,141,250. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.940 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 414,249 in the week ending July 19, a decrease of 70,056 from the previous week. There were 298,366 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent during the week ending July 12, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,174,895, an increase of 56,111 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.0 percent and the volume was 2,588,709. Extended benefits were available in Alaska during the week ending July 5. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,774 in the week ending July 12, an increase of 372 from the prior week. There were 1,845 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 467 from the preceding week. There were 12,610 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending July 5, an increase of 1,146 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 20,050, an increase of 1,055 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending July 5 were in Puerto Rico (4.8 percent), New Jersey (3.4), Oregon (3.4), Rhode Island (3.4), Michigan (3.3), Pennsylvania (3.3), California (3.1), Massachusetts (3.0), Connecticut (2.9), Nevada (2.9), South Carolina (2.9), and Wisconsin (2.9). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 12 were in New York (+13,909), California (+9,416), North Carolina (+9,344), Tennessee (+8,522), and Georgia (+7,000), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-4,571), New Jersey (-1,835), Kentucky (-1,724), Rhode Island(-1,266), and Massachusetts (-919). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 366,000, an increase of 18,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 348,000. The 4-week moving average was 376,500, a decrease of 4,500 from the previous week's revised average of 381,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending July 5, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.4 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 5 was 3,122,000, a decrease of 81,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,203,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,142,750, an increase of 16,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,126,250. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.934 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 475,954 in the week ending July 12, an increase of 74,349 from the previous week. There were 383,839 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending July 5, an increase of 0.2 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,125,165, an increase of 267,660 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.0 percent and the volume was 2,581,098. Extended benefits were available in Alaska during the week ending June 28. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,394 in the week ending July 5, a decrease of 29 from the prior week. There were 1,362 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 251 from the preceding week. There were 11,460 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending June 28, a decrease of 260 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 19,021, a decrease of 196 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 28 were in Puerto Rico (4.9 percent), Pennsylvania (3.2), Rhode Island (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), Alaska (3.0), Oregon (3.0), Michigan (2.9), California (2.8), Connecticut (2.8), Massachusetts (2.8), and Nevada (2.8). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 5 were in Michigan (+20,085), Ohio (+6,993), Wisconsin (+5,854), New York (+5,715), and Indiana (+3,711), while the largest decreases were in New Jersey (-5,765), California (-4,578), Massachusetts (-3,668), Texas (-2,356), and Florida(-1,762). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending June 28, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 404,000, an increase of 16,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 388,000. The 4-week moving average was 390,500, an increase of 11,250 from the previous week's revised average of 379,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending June 21, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.4 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 21 was 3,116,000, a decrease of 19,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,135,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,110,750, an increase of 8,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,102,000. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.913 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 368,876 in the week ending June 28, an increase of 10,503 from the previous week. There were 300,348 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending June 21, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,860,521, an increase of 7,792 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.8 percent and the volume was 2,353,893. Extended benefits were available in Alaska during the week ending June 14. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,371 in the week ending June 21, an increase of 143 from the prior week. There were 1,507 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 16 from the preceding week. There were 11,108 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending June 14, a decrease of 121 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 19,619, an increase of 440 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 14 were in Puerto Rico (4.5 percent), Alaska (3.3), Oregon (3.1), California (3.0), Michigan (3.0), Pennsylvania (3.0), New Jersey (2.8), Nevada (2.7), Rhode Island (2.7), Arkansas (2.6), and South Carolina (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending June 21 were in New Jersey (+6,998), California (+5,055), Iowa (+3,085), Massachusetts (+2,622), and Connecticut (+1,356), while the largest decreases were in Pennsylvania (-3,455), Ohio (-1,700), Illinois (-1,446), Alabama (-1,430), and North Carolina (-1,409).
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending June 21, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 384,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised figure of 384,000. The 4-week moving average was 378,250, an increase of 2,250 from the previous week's revised average of 376,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent for the week ending June 14, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 14 was 3,139,000, an increase of 82,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,057,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,103,250, an increase of 7,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,095,750. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.909 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 354,777 in the week ending June 21, an increase of 5,577 from the previous week. There were 292,583 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending June 14, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,856,654, an increase of 56,815 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,278,797. Extended benefits were available in Alaska during the week ending June 7. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,218 in the week ending June 14, an increase of 46 from the prior week. There were 1,481 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 132 from the preceding week. There were 11,218 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending June 7, an increase of 374 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 19,171, a decrease of 722 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 7 were in Puerto Rico (4.4 percent), Alaska (3.2), Oregon (3.1), Michigan (3.0), California (2.9), Pennsylvania (2.9), New Jersey (2.8), Rhode Island (2.8), Nevada (2.7), and Arkansas (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending June 14 were in Pennsylvania (+4,284), Wisconsin (+1,783), Michigan (+1,320), Florida (+1,258), and Maryland (+1,225), while the largest decreases were in Kentucky (-5,090), Georgia (-5,083), Missouri (-2,753), Texas (-2,664), and New York (-2,379). SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending June 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 381,000, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 386,000. The 4-week moving average was 375,250, an increase of 3,250 from the previous week's revised average of 372,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending June 7, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.4 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 7 was 3,060,000, a decrease of 76,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,136,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,096,500, a decrease of 2,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,098,500. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.900 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 346,679 in the week ending June 14, a decrease of 26,208 from the previous week. There were 290,951 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending June 7, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,803,210, a decrease of 25,417 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,298,047. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending May 31. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,168 in the week ending June 7, an increase of 11 from the prior week. There were 1,596 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 480 from the preceding week. There were 10,835 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending May 31, an increase of 183 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 19,892, an increase of 543 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending May 31 were in Puerto Rico (4.0 percent), Alaska (3.4), Oregon (3.2), California (3.1), Michigan (3.0), Pennsylvania (2.9), New Jersey (2.8), Rhode Island (2.8), Arkansas (2.7), and Nevada (2.7). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending June 7 were in California (+10,778), Florida (+6,164), Pennsylvania (+5,762), Georgia (+5,452), and Kentucky (+4,966), while the largest decreases were in Wisconsin (-1,382), Mississippi (-557), Alabama (-526), Vermont (-370), and Kansas (-251). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending June 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 384,000, an increase of 25,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 359,000. The 4-week moving average was 371,500, an increase of 2,500 from the previous week's revised average of 369,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent for the week ending May 31, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 31 was 3,139,000, an increase of 58,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,081,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,099,250, an increase of 16,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,082,750. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.882 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 370,711 in the week ending June 7, an increase of 69,715 from the previous week. There were 302,368 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending May 31, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,831,583, an increase of 73,670 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,267,710. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending May 24. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,145 in the week ending May 31, an increase of 208 from the prior week. There were 1,107 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 241 from the preceding week. There were 10,653 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending May 24, an increase of 70 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 19,348, a decrease of 567 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending May 24 were in Puerto Rico (4.1 percent), Alaska (3.4), Michigan (3.4), Oregon (3.0), Pennsylvania (3.0), California (2.8), New Jersey (2.8), Rhode Island (2.8), Arkansas (2.6), and Nevada (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 31 were in Texas (+1,010), Oregon (+696), Tennessee (+521), Indiana (+500), and Alabama (+485), while the largest decreases were in California (-4,751), Michigan (-4,129), Florida (-2,657), Ohio (-2,272), and Pennsylvania (-2,100). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 31, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 357,000, a decrease of 18,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 375,000. The 4-week moving average was 368,500, a decrease of 2,750 from the previous week's revised average of 371,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending May 24, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 24 was 3,093,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,109,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,085,750, an increase of 15,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,070,500. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.883 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 299,405 in the week ending May 31, a decrease of 27,271 from the previous week. There were 263,527 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending May 24, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,768,287, a decrease of 39,217 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,261,581. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending May 17. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 932 in the week ending May 24, a decrease of 60 from the prior week. There were 1,343 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 33 from the preceding week. There were 10,193 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending May 17, a decrease of 1,313 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 19,189, a decrease of 1,070 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending May 17 were in Puerto Rico (4.3 percent), Alaska (3.7), Michigan (3.5), Oregon (3.1), California (3.0), Pennsylvania (2.9), New Jersey (2.8), Rhode Island (2.8), Nevada (2.7), and Arkansas (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 24 were in Ohio (+2,390), Mississippi (+2,028), Kentucky (+1,522), Iowa (+1,467), and Georgia (+1,165), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-1,880), Pennsylvania (-1,120), Florida (-1,093), South Carolina (-1,081), and North Carolina (-1,028). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 372,000, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 368,000. The 4-week moving average was 370,500, a decrease of 2,500 from the previous week's revised average of 373,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending May 17, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 17 was 3,104,000, an increase of 36,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,068,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,069,250, an increase of 18,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,050,750. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2.873 million. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 323,971 in the week ending May 24, an increase of 4,430 from the previous week. There were 273,397 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending May 17, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,803,105, a decrease of 44,404 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,231,139. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending May 10. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 966 in the week ending May 17, an increase of 190 from the prior week. There were 1,372 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 85 from the preceding week. There were 11,510 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending May 10, an increase of 339 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 20,257, a decrease of 28 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending May 10 were in Puerto Rico (4.1 percent), Alaska (3.8), Michigan (3.6), California (3.2), Oregon (3.1), Pennsylvania (3.0), Rhode Island (2.9), New Jersey (2.8), Nevada (2.7), and Wisconsin (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 17 were in Pennsylvania (+1,695), Missouri (+1,192), South Carolina (+1,045), Indiana (+919), and Kentucky (+811), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-3,898), North Carolina (-2,610), Georgia (-1,537), New York (-1,421), and Louisiana (-1,333). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 365,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 374,000. The 4-week moving average was 372,250, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's revised average of 367,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending May 10, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 10 was 3,073,000, unchanged from the preceding week's revised level of 3,073,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,052,000, an increase of 31,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,020,250. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2,848,932. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 317,542 in the week ending May 17, a decrease of 7,867 from the previous week. There were 270,446 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending May 10, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,851,525, an increase of 5,506 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.8 percent and the volume was 2,329,671. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending May 3. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 775 in the week ending May 10, a decrease of 148 from the prior week. There were 1,443 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 57 from the preceding week. There were 11,168 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending May 3, a decrease of 1,104 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 20,281, a decrease of 666 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending May 3 were in Puerto Rico (4.1 percent), Alaska (4.0), Michigan (3.5), Oregon (3.3), California (3.0), New Jersey (2.9), Pennsylvania (2.9), Rhode Island (2.9), Nevada (2.8), Vermont (2.7), and Wisconsin (2.7). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 10 were in Michigan (+6,637), North Carolina (+3,344), Georgia (+2,202), Mississippi (+1,804), and Louisiana (+1,489), while the largest decreases were in New York (-15,244), Kentucky (-4,391), Wisconsin (-1,514), Pennsylvania (-1,149), and Oregon (-1,144). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 371,000, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 365,000. The 4-week moving average was 365,750, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised average of 366,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending May 3, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 3 was 3,060,000, an increase of 28,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,032,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,017,000, an increase of 15,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,001,750. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2,838,249. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 322,942 in the week ending May 10, a decrease of 10,087 from the previous week. There were 258,516 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending May 3, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,833,473, a decrease of 123,173 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,290,364. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending April 26. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 911 in the week ending May 3, an increase of 47 from the prior week. There were 1,370 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 26 from the preceding week. There were 12,271 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending April 26, an increase of 485 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 20,947, a decrease of 338 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 26 were in Puerto Rico (4.3 percent), Alaska (4.2), Michigan (3.9), Oregon (3.3), California (3.1), Rhode Island (3.1), New Jersey (3.0), Pennsylvania (3.0), Vermont (3.0), and Wisconsin (2.9). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 3 were in New York (+11,414), Pennsylvania (+2,716), Wisconsin (+1,023), Virginia (+784), and Illinois (+781), while the largest decreases were in Massachusetts (-5,027), New Jersey (-3,259), Georgia (-2,935), Oregon (-2,011), and Michigan (-1,939). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 365,000, a decrease of 18,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 383,000. The 4-week moving average was 367,000, an increase of 2,500 from the previous week's revised average of 364,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending April 26, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.3 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 26 was 3,020,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,030,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,998,750, an increase of 16,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,982,000. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 2,828,234. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 332,984 in the week ending May 3, a decrease of 5,422 from the previous week. There were 274,801 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending April 26, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,944,507, a decrease of 42,895 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.9 percent and the volume was 2,451,671. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending April 19. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 862 in the week ending April 26, a decrease of 48 from the prior week. There were 1,392 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 23 from the preceding week. There were 11,785 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending April 19, a decrease of 1,531 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,281, an increase of 276 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 19 were in Puerto Rico (5.1 percent), Alaska (4.3), Michigan (3.9), Rhode Island (3.5), Oregon (3.3), California (3.2), Vermont (3.2), Pennsylvania (3.1), New Jersey (3.0), and Wisconsin (3.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending April 26 were in Massachusetts (+5,591), New York (+4,648), Kentucky (+3,776), New Jersey (+3,521), and Michigan (+3,238), while the largest decreases were in Texas (-3,373), Rhode Island (-1,835), California (-1,689), Pennsylvania (-1,597), and Connecticut (-1,423). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending April 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 380,000, an increase of 35,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 345,000. The 4-week moving average was 363,750, a decrease of 6,500 from the previous week's revised average of 370,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent for the week ending April 19, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.2 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 19 was 3,019,000, an increase of 74,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,945,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,979,000, an increase of 16,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,962,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 336,344 in the week ending April 26, an increase of 8,158 from the previous week. There were 267,672 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent during the week ending April 19, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,976,512, a decrease of 77,579 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.9 percent and the volume was 2,448,102. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending April 12. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 908 in the week ending April 19, a decrease of 113 from the prior week. There were 1,410 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 73 from the preceding week. There were 13,297 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending April 12, an increase of 691 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 20,997, a decrease of 591 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 12 were in Michigan (4.4 percent), Alaska (4.3), Oregon (3.3), Pennsylvania (3.3), Rhode Island (3.3), Wisconsin (3.3), California (3.2), Vermont (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), and Puerto Rico (3.1). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending April 19 were in Connecticut (+2,886), Texas (+1,937), Rhode Island (+1,779), Vermont (+336), and South Carolina (+302), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-8,102), California (-5,130), North Carolina (-4,704), Florida (-3,278), and Pennsylvania (-2,644). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending April 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 342,000, a decrease of 33,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 375,000. The 4-week moving average was 369,500, a decrease of 7,250 from the previous week's revised average of 376,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent for the week ending April 12, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.2 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 12 was 2,934,000, a decrease of 65,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,999,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,959,500, an increase of 20,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,939,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 325,867 in the week ending April 19, a decrease of 44,935 from the previous week. There were 303,984 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.3 percent during the week ending April 12, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,042,587, a decrease of 46,373 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.0 percent and the volume was 2,634,301. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending April 5. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,020 in the week ending April 12, an increase of 96 from the prior week. There were 1,478 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 86 from the preceding week. There were 12,601 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending April 5, a decrease of 1,811 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,588, an increase of 26 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 5 were in Michigan (4.2 percent), Puerto Rico (4.2), Alaska (4.1), Rhode Island (3.5), Wisconsin (3.5), Oregon (3.3), Pennsylvania (3.3), Vermont (3.3), New Jersey (3.2), California (3.1), Idaho (3.0), and Massachusetts (3.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending April 12 were in California (+8,791), Florida (+4,281), Michigan (+2,943), North Carolina (+2,415), and Puerto Rico (+1,452), while the largest decreases were in Kentucky (-2,502), Oregon (-1,646), South Carolina (-1,543), New York (-1,436), and Illinois (-1,397). Calendar Year 2008 Seasonal Factors: Seasonal factors for CY 2008 and the revised historical series for CY 2003-2007 for both initial claims and continued claims will be made available on March 27, 2008, with the release of the Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 378,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 356,000. The 4-week moving average was 365,250, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's revised average of 359,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.2 percent for the week ending March 8, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.1 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending March 8 was 2,865,000, an increase of 32,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,833,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,832,250, an increase of 19,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,812,500. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 334,972 in the week ending March 15, a decrease of 6,713 from the previous week. There were 277,187 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending March 8, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,285,678, a decrease of 54,754 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.2 percent and the volume was 2,869,668. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending March 1. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 859 in the week ending March 8, a decrease of 18 from the prior week. There were 1,587 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 30 from the preceding week. There were 16,603 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending March 1, an increase of 1,284 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,548, a decrease of 317 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending March 1 were in Alaska (5.0 percent), Michigan (4.3), Pennsylvania (4.0), Rhode Island (4.0), Wisconsin (3.9), Idaho (3.8), New Jersey (3.5), Oregon (3.5), Vermont (3.5), California (3.4), and Massachusetts (3.4). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending March 8 were in California (+3,755), Michigan (+2,236), Indiana (+2,158), Wisconsin (+2,135), and Florida (+1,913), while the largest decreases were in New York (-13,504), Connecticut (-2,228), South Carolina (-2,021), Missouri (-660), and Maine (-637). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 353,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised figure of 353,000. The 4-week moving average was 358,500, a decrease of 1,250 from the previous week's revised average of 359,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending March 1, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.1 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending March 1 was 2,835,000, an increase of 7,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,828,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,812,750, an increase of 24,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,788,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 338,756 in the week ending March 8, a decrease of 6,572 from the previous week. There were 298,927 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending March 1, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,342,839, a decrease of 37,143 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3 percent and the volume was 3,016,840. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Feb. 23. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 881 in the week ending March 1, an increase of 33 from the prior week. There were 1,544 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 253 from the preceding week. There were 15,281 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Feb. 23, a decrease of 1,807 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,865, an increase of 354 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Feb. 23 were in Alaska (4.8 percent), Rhode Island (4.4), Michigan (4.3), Idaho (3.9), Pennsylvania (3.9), Wisconsin (3.8), New Jersey (3.7), Massachusetts (3.6), Oregon (3.5), and Vermont (3.5). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending March 1 were in New York (+13,707), South Carolina (+2,679), California (+1,287), Arkansas (+1,120), and North Carolina (+790), while the largest decreases were in Massachusetts (-3,656), Louisiana (-1,831), Michigan (-1,768), Wisconsin (-1,084), and Rhode Island (-898). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 351,000, a decrease of 24,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 375,000. The 4-week moving average was 359,500, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 361,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending Feb. 23, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.1 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb. 23 was 2,831,000, an increase of 29,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,802,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,789,000, an increase of 12,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,776,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 342,855 in the week ending March 1, an increase of 12,785 from the previous week. There were 320,194 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending Feb. 23, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,383,128, an increase of 84,766 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3 percent and the volume was 3,013,239. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Feb. 16. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 843 in the week ending Feb. 23, a decrease of 33 from the prior week. There were 1,284 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 140 from the preceding week. There were 17,080 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Feb. 16, an increase of 747 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,507, a decrease of 709 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Feb. 16 were in Alaska (5.2 percent), Michigan (4.4), Rhode Island (4.1), Pennsylvania (4.0), Idaho (3.9), Wisconsin (3.8), New Jersey (3.5), Oregon (3.5), Montana (3.4), Massachusetts (3.3), and Vermont (3.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Feb. 23 were in Massachusetts (+3,908), California (+3,022), Connecticut (+1,993), Louisiana (+1,851), and New Jersey (+1,494), while the largest decreases were in North Carolina (-1,829), Indiana (-1,296), Pennsylvania (-1,118), Tennessee(-1,090), and Washington (-981). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 23, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 373,000, an increase of 19,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 354,000. The 4-week moving average was 360,500, a decrease of 1,250 from the previous week's revised average of 361,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending Feb. 16, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.1 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb. 16 was 2,807,000, an increase of 21,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,786,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,777,500, an increase of 24,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,753,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 328,178 in the week ending Feb. 23, an increase of 2,447 from the previous week. There were 299,000 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending Feb. 16, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,304,389, a decrease of 11,169 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3 percent and the volume was 3,075,023. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Feb. 9. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 874 in the week ending Feb. 16, a decrease of 234 from the prior week. There were 1,419 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 154 from the preceding week. There were 16,327 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Feb. 9, a decrease of 2,350 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,235, a decrease of 140 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Feb. 9 were in Alaska (4.8 percent), Michigan (4.4), Rhode Island (4.2), Idaho (4.0), Pennsylvania (3.8), Wisconsin (3.8), Oregon (3.7), Massachusetts (3.4), New Jersey (3.4), and Vermont (3.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Feb. 16 were in North Carolina (+1,201), Wisconsin (+259), Louisiana (+172), and Rhode Island (+78), while the largest decreases were in California (-16,027), Kentucky (-4,709), Illinois (-3,912), Oregon (-3,078), and Michigan (-2,827). ### UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb.16, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 349,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 358,000. The 4-week moving average was 360,500, an increase of 10,750 from the previous week's revised average of 349,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending Feb. 9, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.1 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb. 9 was 2,784,000, an increase of 48,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,736,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,752,500, an increase of 28,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,723,750. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 320,488 in the week ending Feb. 16, a decrease of 56,851 from the previous week. There were 305,945 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending Feb. 9, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,313,467, a decrease of 13,743 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3 percent and the volume was 2,994,128. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Feb. 2. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,102 in the week ending Feb. 9, an increase of 52 from the prior week. There were 1,572 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 13 from the preceding week. There were 18,647 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Feb. 2, an increase of 933 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,387, a decrease of 621 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Feb. 2 were in Alaska (5.2 percent), Michigan (4.4), Rhode Island (4.1), Idaho (4.0), Pennsylvania (4.0), Oregon (3.8), Wisconsin (3.8), Montana (3.5), New Jersey (3.5), and Massachusetts (3.4). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Feb. 9 were in California (+7,857), Kentucky (+4,166), Illinois (+1,955), Georgia (+1,009), and Massachusetts (+501), while the largest decreases were in Ohio (-2,752), Wisconsin (-2,232), North Carolina (-1,746), Pennsylvania (-1,608), and Florida (-1,410). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 9, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 348,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 357,000. The 4-week moving average was 347,250, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week's revised average of 335,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending Feb. 2, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.1 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb. 2 was 2,761,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,770,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,727,500, an increase of 3,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,724,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 366,237 in the week ending Feb. 9, a decrease of 13,815 from the previous week. There were 363,018 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending Feb. 2, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,357,880, an increase of 25,600 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3 percent and the volume was 3,079,780. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Jan. 26. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,046 in the week ending Feb. 2, a decrease of 125 from the prior week. There were 1,563 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 188 from the preceding week. There were 17,684 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Jan. 26, a decrease of 1,593 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,943, an increase of 474 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Jan. 26 were in Alaska (4.9 percent), Michigan (4.5), Rhode Island (4.0), Idaho (3.9), Wisconsin (3.9), Pennsylvania (3.8), Oregon (3.6), New Jersey (3.5), Massachusetts (3.4), Illinois (3.3), and Vermont (3.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Feb. 2 were in Washington (+2,710), Pennsylvania (+2,387), Oregon (+2,273), Ohio (+2,215), and Florida (+2,041), while the largest decreases were in California (-2,849), Michigan (-1,723), Maryland (-1,050), Iowa (-870), and Massachusetts (-690). The January Employment Report: Private Employment Increased From: Heritage Foundation by Rea S. Hederman, Jr. and James Sherk Full article To Heritage Foundation Excerpts Following the release of the December unemployment report, which showed a spike in the unemployment rate, many analysts concluded that the economy was headed toward a recession. Congress is now moving quickly to pass a stimulus bill. The January employment report, released today, shows that the unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percent to 4.9 percent in January and that employment was stronger in December than previously reported. Though the economy has slowed, the case for an approaching recession is weak. Extending unemployment insurance eligibility to nine months makes no sense in the current economic environment. Also, Members of Congress should resist the urge to pad the stimulus bill with extra spending that would increase the national debt. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 2, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 356,000, a decrease of 22,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 378,000. The 4-week moving average was 335,000, an increase of 8,500 from the previous week's revised average of 326,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending Jan. 26, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Jan. 26 was 2,785,000, an increase of 75,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,710,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,727,750, an increase of 24,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,703,500. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 379,507 in the week ending Feb. 2, an increase of 9,563 from the previous week. There were 339,018 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending Jan. 26, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,349,982, an increase of 100,408 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3 percent and the volume was 2,981,310. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Jan. 19. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,171 in the week ending Jan. 26, a decrease of 369 from the prior week. There were 1,375 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 365 from the preceding week. There were 19,277 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Jan. 19, an increase of 1,406 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,469, a decrease of 832 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Jan. 19 were in Alaska (5.2 percent), Michigan (4.6), Rhode Island (4.1), Pennsylvania (3.8), Idaho (3.7), Wisconsin (3.7), Massachusetts (3.4), New Jersey (3.4), Oregon (3.4), and Montana (3.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Jan. 26 were in Wisconsin (+2,335), North Carolina (+715), Maryland (+504), Virginia (+340), and California (+233), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-7,546), Illinois (-4,483), Florida (-4,127), Ohio (-3,038), and Texas (-2,887). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Jan. 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 301,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 302,000. The 4-week moving average was 314,750, a decrease of 14,000 from the previous week's revised average of 328,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent for the week ending Jan. 12, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.1 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Jan. 12 was 2,672,000, a decrease of 75,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,747,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,715,250, a decrease of 10,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,725,500. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 408,333 in the week ending Jan. 19, a decrease of 141,509 from the previous week. There were 367,583 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending Jan. 12, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,276,089, a decrease of 231,990 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.2 percent and the volume was 2,925,963. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Jan. 5. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 2,250 in the week ending Jan. 12, an increase of 658 from the prior week. There were 1,775 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 425 from the preceding week. There were 20,526 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Jan. 5, an increase of 2,742 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 24,955, an increase of 1,545 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Jan. 5 were in Michigan (5.1 percent), Alaska (4.5), Pennsylvania (4.3), Rhode Island (4.1), Wisconsin (4.1), Oregon (4.0), Idaho (3.7), New Jersey (3.6), California (3.4), and Massachusetts (3.4). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Jan. 12 were in California (+27,194), Florida (+8,496), Tennessee (+6,143), Puerto Rico (+4,138), and Texas (+3,793), while the largest decreases were in New York (-25,349), North Carolina (-4,911), Georgia (-4,858), Wisconsin (-3,364), and Massachusetts (-2,970). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Jan. 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 301,000, a decrease of 21,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 322,000. The 4-week moving average was 328,500, a decrease of 11,750 from the previous week's revised average of 340,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending Jan. 5, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Jan. 5 was 2,751,000, an increase of 66,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,685,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,725,750, an increase of 28,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,697,500. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 547,637 in the week ending Jan. 12, an increase of 26,357 from the previous week. There were 506,709 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent during the week ending Jan. 5, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,513,647, an increase of 243,790 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.4 percent and the volume was 3,122,227. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Dec. 29. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,591 in the week ending Jan. 5, an increase of 145 from the prior week. There were 1,340 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 392 from the preceding week. There were 17,720 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Dec. 29, a decrease of 562 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,375, an increase of 479 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Dec. 29 were in Alaska (4.7 percent), Michigan (4.5), Wisconsin (4.3), Oregon (3.9), Rhode Island (3.8), Idaho (3.7), Pennsylvania (3.7), Arkansas (3.6), Vermont (3.6), and Massachusetts (3.4). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Jan. 5 were in New York (+30,314), North Carolina (+21,330), Georgia (+14,105), South Carolina (+8,347), and Alabama (+6,700), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-22,130), Wisconsin (-13,173), Iowa (-7,745), Ohio (-7,589), and Pennsylvania (-6,973). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Jan. 5, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 322,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 337,000. The 4-week moving average was 341,000, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week's revised average of 344,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent for the week ending Dec. 29, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.1 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Dec. 29 was 2,702,000, a decrease of 52,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,754,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,701,750, an increase of 17,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,684,750. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 522,392 in the week ending Jan. 5, an increase of 10,888 from the previous week. There were 506,059 initial claims in the comparable week in 2007. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent during the week ending Dec. 29, an increase of 0.4 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,290,775, an increase of 478,540 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3 percent and the volume was 3,007,436. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Dec. 22. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,444 in the week ending Dec. 29, a decrease of 411 from the prior week. There were 963 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 542 from the preceding week. There were 18,262 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Dec. 22, an increase of 1,464 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,902, a decrease of 1,190 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Dec. 22 were in Alaska (4.1 percent), Michigan (3.8), Puerto Rico (3.3), Oregon (3.2), Pennsylvania (3.1), Wisconsin (3.1), Arkansas (3.0), Idaho (3.0), Rhode Island (3.0), Massachusetts (2.9), and New Jersey (2.9). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Dec. 29 were in Michigan (+18,482), Wisconsin (+18,047), Pennsylvania (+14,632), Iowa (+8,339), and New Jersey (+6,859), while the largest decreases were in California (-14,453), Texas (-8,624), Florida (-5,627), Missouri (-5,493), and Illinois (-3,310). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Dec. 29, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 336,000, a decrease of 21,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 357,000. The 4-week moving average was 343,750, a decrease of 750 from the previous week's revised average of 344,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending Dec. 22, an increase of 0.1 percentage point the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Dec. 22 was 2,761,000, an increase of 46,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,715,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,687,000, an increase of 42,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,645,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 510,652 in the week ending Dec. 29, an increase of 54,681 from the previous week. There were 499,979 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending Dec. 22, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,819,269, an increase of 3,918 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.0 percent and the volume was 2,654,693. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Dec. 15. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,915 in the week ending Dec. 22, an increase of 167 from the prior week. There were 1,491 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 5 from the preceding week. There were 16,760 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Dec. 15, a decrease of 1,207 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 24,057, a decrease of 484 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Dec. 15 were in Alaska (4.3 percent), Michigan (3.6), Pennsylvania (3.3), Rhode Island (3.1), Wisconsin (3.0), California (2.9), New Jersey (2.9), Oregon (2.9), Idaho (2.8), Arkansas (2.7), Massachusetts (2.7), and Puerto Rico (2.7). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Dec. 22 were in Michigan (+12,084), California (+6,345), Indiana (+4,754), Texas (+4,388), and Pennsylvania (+4,264), while the largest decreases were in Illinois (-1,819), New York (-1,139), Colorado (-1,075), Florida (-989), and North Carolina (-839). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Dec. 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 346,000, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 334,000. The 4-week moving average was 343,000, an increase of 4,250 from the previous week's unrevised average of 338,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent for the week ending Dec. 8, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Dec. 8 was 2,646,000, an increase of 12,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,634,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,633,000, an increase of 23,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,610,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 390,586 in the week ending Dec. 15, a decrease of 32,797 from the previous week. There were 361,672 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent during the week ending Dec. 8, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,708,998, an increase of 85,510 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.0 percent and the volume was 2,577,271. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Dec. 1. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,603 in the week ending Dec. 8, a decrease of 390 from the prior week. There were 1,824 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 58 from the preceding week. There were 16,372 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Dec. 1, a decrease of 1,220 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,813, a decrease of 1,749 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Dec. 1 were in Alaska (3.9 percent), Pennsylvania (3.2), Michigan (3.1), Puerto Rico (2.9), California (2.8), Oregon (2.8), Arkansas (2.7), New Jersey (2.7), Wisconsin (2.7), and Rhode Island (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Dec. 8 were in Illinois (+4,230), Ohio (+3,996), Kentucky (+2,725), Massachusetts (+2,552), and Iowa (+2,066), while the largest decreases were in New York (-9,272), North Carolina (-9,038), Pennsylvania (-6,393), Georgia (-6,165), and South Carolina (-4,709). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Dec. 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 338,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 353,000. The 4-week moving average was 340,250, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average of 335,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent for the week ending Nov. 24, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Nov. 24 was 2,599,000, a decrease of 59,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,658,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,593,750, an increase of 6,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,587,750. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 461,767 in the week ending Dec. 1, an increase of 137,638 from the previous week. There were 448,898 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent during the week ending Nov. 24, an increase of 0.4 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,731,681, an increase of 514,527 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.0 percent and the volume was 2,620,460.P>Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Nov. 17. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,206 in the week ending Nov. 24, a decrease of 543 from the prior week. There were 1,086 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 412 from the preceding week. There were 14,206 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Nov. 17, a decrease of 1,074 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,649, a decrease of 1,280 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Nov. 17 were in Alaska (3.7 percent), Michigan (2.9), New Jersey (2.6), Pennsylvania (2.6), Oregon (2.5), Arkansas (2.4), Rhode Island (2.3), Massachusetts (2.2), Wisconsin (2.1), California (2.0), Connecticut (2.0), Nevada (2.0), and South Carolina (2.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Nov. 24 were in Wisconsin (+14,126), Pennsylvania (+4,411), Iowa (+3,435), Arkansas (+2,571), and Indiana (+2,060), while the largest decreases were in California (-10,435), North Carolina (4,142), Texas (-3,425), Georgia (-2,939), and Florida (-2,868). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Nov. 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 352,000, an increase of 23,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 329,000. The 4-week moving average was 335,250, an increase of 5,750 from the previous week's revised average of 329,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent for the week ending Nov. 17, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Nov. 17 was 2,665,000, an increase of 112,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,553,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,589,250, an increase of 20,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,568,750. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 323,171 in the week ending Nov. 24, a decrease of 174 from the previous week. There were 323,509 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.7 percent during the week ending Nov. 17, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,222,940, a decrease of 67,476 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,074,608. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Nov. 10. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,747 in the week ending Nov. 17, an increase of 40 from the prior week. There were 1,499 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 335 from the preceding week. There were 15,263 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Nov. 10, an increase of 1,049 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,928, a decrease of 492 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Nov. 10 were in Alaska (3.2 percent), Puerto Rico (2.9), Michigan (2.8), Arkansas (2.5), New Jersey (2.5), Oregon (2.4), Pennsylvania (2.4), California (2.3), Rhode Island (2.3), and Massachusetts (2.2). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Nov. 17 were in Texas (+1,097), Kentucky (+797), Idaho (+341), Arkansas (+219), and Wisconsin (+209), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-6,493), California (-5,905), Puerto Rico (-3,882), New Jersey (-3,011), and Virginia(-1,542). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Nov. 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 339,000, an increase of 20,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 319,000. The 4-week moving average was 330,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised average of 330,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending Nov. 3, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Nov. 3 was 2,568,000, a decrease of 7,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,575,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,562,250, an increase of 11,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,551,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 353,231 in the week ending Nov. 10, an increase of 27,393 from the previous week. There were 286,151 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.7 percent during the week ending Nov. 3, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,295,507, an increase of 34,447 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,110,151. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Oct. 27. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,465 in the week ending Nov. 3, an increase of 295 from the prior week. There were 1,686 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 107 from the preceding week. There were 15,532 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Oct. 27, an increase of 1,070 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 23,348, an increase of 474 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Oct. 27 were in Puerto Rico (2.9 percent), Alaska (2.8), Michigan (2.6), Arkansas (2.5), New Jersey (2.5), California (2.4), Oregon (2.4), Pennsylvania (2.4), Rhode Island (2.3), Massachusetts (2.1), and South Carolina (2.1). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Nov. 3 were in Michigan (+4,599), North Carolina (+3,687), Iowa (+2,601), Georgia (+2,317), and Illinois (+2,028), while the largest decreases were in Kentucky (-1,567), Arkansas (-794), Pennsylvania (-625), Oregon (-528), and Oklahoma (-418). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Nov. 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 317,000, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 330,000. The 4-week moving average was 329,750, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised average of 327,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending Oct. 27, unchanged from the prior week's revised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Oct. 27 was 2,579,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,583,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,552,250, an increase of 16,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,536,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 324,232 in the week ending Nov. 3, an increase of 20,589 from the previous week. There were 326,711 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.7 percent during the week ending Oct. 27, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,264,639, an increase of 22,630 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,150,055. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Oct. 20. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,169 in the week ending Oct. 27, a decrease of 325 from the prior week. There were 1,787 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 35 from the preceding week. There were 14,459 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Oct. 20, a decrease of 1,374 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,873, a decrease of 81 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Oct. 20 were in Puerto Rico (3.3 percent), Alaska (3.0), Michigan (2.7), Arkansas (2.4), New Jersey (2.4), Pennsylvania (2.4), California (2.3), Oregon (2.3), Rhode Island (2.2), Massachusetts (2.0), Nevada (2.0), South Carolina (2.0), and Wisconsin (2.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Oct. 27 were in Pennsylvania (+3,525), Ohio (+2,672), Kentucky (+1,321), California (+989), and Texas (+650), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-4,581), Illinois (-1,702), South Carolina (-1,547), New York (-1,546), and Indiana (-1,411). ### UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Oct. 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims, Jobless Claims was 327,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 333,000. The 4-week moving average was 327,000, an increase of 1,750 from the previous week's revised average of 325,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent for the week ending Oct. 20, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Oct. 20 was 2,588,000, an increase of 65,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,523,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,537,500, an increase of 13,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,524,500. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual, Jobless Claims initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 301,317 in the week ending Oct. 27, a decrease of 6,305 from the previous week. There were 301,079 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.7 percent during the week ending Oct. 20, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,246,741, an increase of 71,675 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,087,657. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Oct. 13. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,492 in the week ending Oct. 20, an increase of 117 from the prior week. There were 1,814 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 27 from the preceding week. There were 15,829 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Oct. 13, an increase of 1,780 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,953, an increase of 1,110 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Oct. 13 were in Puerto Rico (2.7 percent), Michigan (2.6), Alaska (2.5), New Jersey (2.4), Arkansas (2.3), Pennsylvania (2.3), California (2.2), Oregon (2.2), Rhode Island (2.2), and South Carolina (2.1). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Oct. 20 were in California (+7,027), New York (+2,590), New Jersey (+973), Wisconsin (+953), and Indiana (+908), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-4,992), Ohio (-1,747), Maryland (-1,184), Illinois (-984), and North Carolina (-966). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Oct. 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims, Jobless Claims was 331,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 339,000. The 4-week moving average was 324,750, an increase of 7,750 from the previous week's revised average of 317,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending Oct. 13, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Oct. 13 was 2,530,000, an increase of 7,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,523,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,526,000, a decrease of 3,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,529,750. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims Jobless Claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 305,821 in the week ending Oct. 20, a decrease of 526 from the previous week. There were 291,372 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.6 percent during the week ending Oct. 13, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,180,625, an increase of 84,148 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,116,794. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Oct. 6. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,374 in the week ending Oct. 13, a decrease of 778 from the prior week. There were 1,840 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 142 from the preceding week. There were 14,041 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Oct. 6, a decrease of 614 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,818, a decrease of 517 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Oct. 6 were in Puerto Rico (2.7 percent), Michigan (2.5), Alaska (2.4), New Jersey (2.3), Pennsylvania (2.3), Arkansas (2.2), Oregon (2.2), California (2.1), Rhode Island (2.1), Massachusetts (2.0), and South Carolina (2.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Oct. 13 were in Michigan (+5,720), Ohio (+2,523), Maryland (+2,150), Illinois (+1,639), and Florida (+1,582), while the largest decreases were in California (-4,917), Kentucky (-2,605), Missouri (-2,136), New York (-1,703), and New Jersey (-1,385). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Oct. 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims, jobless claims was 337,000, an increase of 28,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 309,000. The 4-week moving average was 316,500, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's revised average of 310,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending Oct. 6, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Oct. 6 was 2,534,000, an increase of 19,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,515,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,532,500, a decrease of 1,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,534,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 305,170 in the week ending Oct. 13, an increase of 6,892 from the previous week. There were 271,863 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.6 percent during the week ending Oct. 6, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,105,344, a decrease of 7,658 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,030,299. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Sept. 29. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 2,152 in the week ending Oct. 6, an increase of 1,024 from the prior week. There were 1,968 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 240 from the preceding week. There were 14,652 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Sept. 29, an increase of 819 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,332, a decrease of 136 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Sept. 29 were in Puerto Rico (2.7 percent), Alaska (2.4), New Jersey (2.4), Michigan (2.3), Pennsylvania (2.3), Arkansas (2.2), California (2.2), Rhode Island (2.2), Oregon (2.1), and Massachusetts (2.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Oct. 6 were in California (+6,317), Georgia (+3,255), Kentucky (+3,159), New York (+3,094), and Illinois (+2,865), while the largest decreases were in Louisiana (-468), North Carolina (-436), Maryland (-416), Texas (-223), and Kansas (-154). Jobless Claims UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Sept. 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims, jobless claims, was 298,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 313,000. The 4-week moving average was 311,500, a decrease of 9,750 from the previous week's revised average of 321,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending Sept. 15, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Sept. 15 was 2,551,000, an increase of 11,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,540,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,570,000, a decrease of 5,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,575,500. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 246,181 in the week ending Sept. 22, a decrease of 15,741 from the previous week. There were 261,396 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.6 percent during the week ending Sept. 15, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,165,425, a decrease of 77,259 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6 percent and the volume was 2,062,962. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Sept. 8. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,033 in the week ending Sept. 15, an increase of 107 from the prior week. There were 1,988 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 342 from the preceding week. There were 13,615 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Sept. 8, a decrease of 414 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 22,073, an increase of 664 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Sept. 8 were in Puerto Rico (3.4 percent), New Jersey (2.8), Michigan (2.5), Pennsylvania (2.5), Arkansas (2.4), Alaska (2.3), California (2.3), Rhode Island (2.3), Massachusetts (2.2), and Oregon (2.1). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Sept. 15 were in California (+5,370), Florida (+3,510), South Carolina (+2,180), Georgia (+1,608), and Indiana (+1,529), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-2,711), Wisconsin (-950), Ohio (-702), Arkansas(-537), and Kansas (-328). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Aug. 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims, jobless claims, was 322,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 324,000. The 4-week moving average was 317,750, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average of 313,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending Aug. 11, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Aug. 11 was 2,572,000, an increase of 16,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,556,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,553,000, an increase of 7,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,545,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 255,116 in the week ending Aug. 18, a decrease of 11,563 from the previous week. There were 252,357 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent during the week ending Aug. 11, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,419,866, an increase of 7,750 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.8 percent and the volume was 2,326,364. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending Aug. 4 Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,192 in the week ending Aug. 11, an increase of 142 from the prior week. There were 1,877 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 168 from the preceding week. There were 14,354 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Aug. 4, an increase of 258 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,241, a decrease of 61 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Aug. 4 were in Puerto Rico (3.2 percent), New Jersey (3.1), Rhode Island (2.9), Michigan (2.8), Pennsylvania (2.8), Arkansas (2.5), Massachusetts (2.5), Alaska (2.4), Connecticut (2.4), California (2.3), and Oregon (2.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Aug. 11 were in California (+2,573), North Carolina (+1,733), New York (+1,343), Nevada (+633), and Louisiana (+503), while the largest decreases were in Kentucky (-4,053), Michigan (-3,823), Iowa (-898), Illinois (-709), and Pennsylvania (-615). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT Jobless Claims UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Aug. 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims, jobless claims,was 322,000, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 316,000. The 4-week moving average was 312,500, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 307,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending Aug. 4, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Aug. 4 was 2,567,000, an increase of 17,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,550,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,548,000, an increase of 1,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,547,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 265,472 in the week ending Aug. 11, a decrease of 5,037 from the previous week. There were 256,259 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent during the week ending Aug. 4, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,425,565, a decrease of 19,997 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.8 percent and the volume was 2,348,543. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending July 28. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,050 in the week ending Aug. 4, a decrease of 101 from the prior week. There were 1,703 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 9 from the preceding week. There were 14,089 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending July 28, a decrease of 479 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,301, a decrease of 76 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending July 28 were in Puerto Rico (4.3 percent), New Jersey (3.0), Michigan (2.9), Pennsylvania (2.9), Rhode Island (2.9), Alaska (2.6), Arkansas (2.5), Massachusetts (2.5), Connecticut (2.4), and California (2.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Aug. 4 were in Kentucky (+4,731), Puerto Rico (+4,669), New Jersey (+1,196), Washington (+1,136), and Pennsylvania (+1,076), while the largest decreases were in California (-1,999), Michigan (-1,176), Tennessee (-732), Florida (-477), and Alabama (-366). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT Jobless Claims SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 28, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims, jobless claims, was 307,000, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 303,000. The 4-week moving average was 305,500, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 309,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending July 21, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 21 was 2,525,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,541,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,545,000, a decrease of 9,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,554,250. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 255,679 in the week ending July 28, a decrease of 43,069 from the previous week. There were 259,974 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent during the week ending July 21, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,454,584, a decrease of 134,211 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.8 percent and the volume was 2,358,926. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending July 14. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,218 in the week ending July 21, a decrease of 451 from the prior week. There were 1,680 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 192 from the preceding week. There were 13,839 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending July 14, an increase of 247 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,458, an increase of 101 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending July 14 were in Michigan (4.1 percent), Puerto Rico (3.6), New Jersey (3.1), Pennsylvania (3.1), Rhode Island (3.1), Alaska (2.7), Arkansas (2.7), Connecticut (2.5), Massachusetts (2.5), California (2.4), and Wisconsin (2.4). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 21 were in Illinois (+2,564), Kentucky (+673), Kansas (+164), Colorado (+79), and the District of Columbia (+65), while the largest decreases were in North Carolina (-10,943), Pennsylvania (-9,771), New York (-9,751), Michigan (-6,439), and Georgia (-5,917). UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT Jobless Claims SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 21, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims jobless claims, was 301,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 303,000. The 4-week moving average was 308,500, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's revised average of 312,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending July 14, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 14 was 2,545,000, a decrease of 19,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,564,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,555,500, an increase of 15,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,540,500. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 296,731 in the week ending July 21, a decrease of 87,655 from the previous week. There were 288,875 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent during the week ending July 14, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,593,163, an increase of 11,669 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.9 percent and the volume was 2,499,741. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending July 7. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,660 in the week ending July 14, a decrease of 275 from the prior week. There were 1,867 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 394 from the preceding week. There were 13,574 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending July 7, an increase of 1,851 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,348, an increase of 1,014 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending July 7 were in Puerto Rico (3.2 percent), New Jersey (3.1), Michigan (3.0), Pennsylvania (3.0), Rhode Island (3.0), Arkansas (2.8), Wisconsin (2.8), Alaska (2.7), Connecticut (2.6), Massachusetts (2.6), and Oregon (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 14 were in North Carolina (+12,842), Tennessee (+6,749), Florida (+6,028), Georgia (+5,733), and Alabama (+5,132), while the largest decreases were in Michigan (-18,269), Ohio (-11,031), Wisconsin (-7,963), New York (-6,681), and Indiana (-4,522). Jobless Claims On the same day the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared above 14, 000 The Department of Labor gave us good new on those applying for unemployment benefits.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA Jobless Claims Weekly In the week ending July 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims was 301,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 309,000. The 4-week moving average was 312,000, a decrease of 6,250 from the previous week's revised average of 318,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending July 7, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 7 was 2,571,000, an increase of 20,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,551,000. Jobless Claims Weekly 4-week moving average The 4-week moving average was 2,542,250, an increase of 13,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,528,750. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial Jobless Claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 381,697 in the week ending July 14, a decrease of 35,760 from the previous week. There were 377,115 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent during the week ending July 7, an increase of 0.3 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,588,833, an increase of 285,426 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.9 percent and the volume was 2,517,917. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending June 30. Initial claims (jobless claims) for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,913 in the week ending July 7, an increase of 437 from the prior week. There were 1,467 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 122 from the preceding week. There were 11,702 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending June 30, a decrease of 713 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 20,322, a decrease of 937 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 30 were in Puerto Rico (3.1 percent), New Jersey (2.7), Pennsylvania (2.7), Rhode Island (2.7), Alaska (2.6), Michigan (2.6), Arkansas (2.5), Connecticut (2.4), Massachusetts (2.4), and Oregon (2.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 7 were in Michigan (+31,282), Ohio (+12,830), New York (+12,223), Wisconsin (+11,835), and Pennsylvania (+6,721), while the largest decreases were in New Jersey (-5,133), Kentucky (-548), Connecticut (-352), North Carolina (-234), and Massachusetts (-214). Jobless Claims Jobless Claims Weekly In the week ending July 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial Jobless Claims was 308,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 320,000. Jobless Claims 4-week moving average The 4-week moving average was 317,750, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 319,250. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims (jobless claims) was 308,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 320,000. The 4-week moving average was 317,750, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 319,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending June 30, unchanged from the prior week's revised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 30 was 2,554,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,558,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,528,500, an increase of 17,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,511,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial Jobless Claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 416,142 in the week ending July 7, an increase of 116,151 from the previous week. There were 418,363 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.8 percent during the week ending June 30, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,306,379, a decrease of 44,377 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,211,698. Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending June 23. Initial claims (jobless claims) for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,467 in the week ending June 30, an increase of 189 from the prior week. There were 1,588 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 83 from the preceding week. There were 12,242 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending June 23, an increase of 1,311 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,233, an increase of 14 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 23 were in Puerto Rico (3.4 percent), Alaska (2.9), Pennsylvania (2.9), Michigan (2.6), New Jersey (2.6), Rhode Island (2.6), Arkansas (2.5), Massachusetts (2.4), California (2.3), Oregon (2.3), and Wisconsin (2.3). The largest increases in initial Jobless Claims for the week ending June 30 were in New York (+3,974), Kentucky (+2,416), New Jersey (+2,127), Indiana (+1,993), and Michigan (+1,813), while the largest decreases were in Pennsylvania (-3,014), Florida (-2,350), Massachusetts (-1,806), Maryland (-1,613), and Wisconsin (-1,303). From the Department of Labor UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY Jobless Claims REPORT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA Jobless Claims Weekly In the week ending June 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims (jobless claims) was 318,000, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 316,000. Jobless Claims Weekly 4-week moving average The 4-week moving average was 318,500, an increase of 1,750 from the previous week's revised average of 316,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.0 percent for the week ending June 23, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 1.9 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 23 was 2,569,000, an increase of 84,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 2,485,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,513,750, an increase of 9,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 2,504,000. UNADJUSTED DATA The advance number of actual initial Jobless Claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 298,156 in the week ending June 30, an increase of 6,847 from the previous week. There were 304,638 initial claims in the comparable week in 2006. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.8 percent during the week ending June 23, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 2,360,918, an increase of 82,116 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 1.7 percent and the volume was 2,261,568.2 Extended benefits were not available in any state during the week ending June 16. Initial claims (jobless claims) for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,277 in the week ending June 23, an increase of 49 from the prior week. There were 1,668 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, an increase of 38 from the preceding week. There were 10,918 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending June 16, a decrease of 966 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 21,215, an increase of 348 from the prior week. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 16 were in Puerto Rico (3.3 percent), Alaska (3.0), Michigan (2.6), Pennsylvania (2.6), Arkansas (2.5), New Jersey (2.5), Oregon (2.3), Rhode Island (2.3), California (2.2), Massachusetts (2.2), and Wisconsin (2.2). The largest increases in initial Jobless Claims for the week ending June 23 were in New Jersey (+5,187), Massachusetts (+4,539), Connecticut (+1,758), Michigan (+1,319), and New York (+1,074), while the largest decreases were in Pennsylvania (-4,255), North Carolina (-2,203), Wisconsin (-1,740), Illinois(-1,501), and South Carolina (-1,071). Jobless Claims June 7, 2007 Jobless Claims Weekly Workers signing up for first-time unemployment edged down by 1000 for the week ended June 2, the latest report from the Labor Department shows. This was more favorable than forecasts from economists who were polled ahead of the report. Those economists were expecting the moving average to hold at 310,000. Jobless Claims 4-week moving average The four-week moving average, for (jobless claims) moved up to 307,250 from 304,500. This adds to yesterday's report on wage gains which continue to show substantial improvement and bright prospects for a continuing tight labor market, favorable to job prospects and further gains. The number of jobless claims was down by 2,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 308,000, showing steady market conditions. The latest figures were from the the week ending Nov. 11 Prior week claims were revised up to 310,000 from an initially reported 308,000. The four-week moving average, was 313,750. The number of Jobless Claims moved higher last week with claims reaching their highest level since early July. This was partially offset by two positive indicators. Workers drawing unemployment benefits for more than one week declined, as did the rate for the unemployed. Initial claims (jobless claims) moved up to 327,000-seasonally adjusted-in the week ended Oct. 28, according to Labor Department statistics. Jobless Claims
The previous week’s numbers of Jobless Claims were revised upward by 1000, from 308,000 to 309,000, resulting in this week’s increase of 18,000. In a related area, productivity rose only 1.3%, matching the slowest yearly rate since the period ending June 30th, 1997, when it came in at the same 1.3% pace. Whereas the recent growth in GDP numbers lessened fears of inflation, the slowdown in productivity might make it harder to bring down interest rates, suggested as a possibility in 2007 by some economists and market watchers. Jobless Claims
|
