WASHINGTON, Sept 23 — The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits unexpectedly rose last week amid a surge in California, but the labour market continues to steadily recover.
There was a 24,221 jump in unadjusted claims in California. That offset a sharp decrease in filings in Louisiana, which was devastated by Hurricane Ida in late August. Claims have dropped from a record 6.149 million in early April 2020, but still remain above the 200,000-250,000 range viewed as consistent with healthy labour market conditions.
Last week’s claims data covered the period during which the government surveyed employers for the nonfarm payrolls portion of September’s employment report.