July 10th, 2015 by WCBC Radio
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since February, representing a pause in the pace of labor-market improvement as the nation's automakers begin temporary plant shutdowns. Jobless claims climbed by 15,000 to 297,000 in the period ended July 4, Labor Department data showed Thursday. The motor vehicle-producing states of Michigan and Ohio were among those reporting jumps in new applications. Even with the increase, weekly claims have been below 300,000 for 18 straight weeks, the longest stretch since 2000 and consistent with a brighter job market. Stronger demand would probably help persuade employers to boost hiring and assure companies about the U.S. outlook in the face of weaker overseas markets.
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