The number of new unemployment claims in Pennsylvania fell last week, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Labor. The state saw a decrease in jobless claims to 8,586 for the week ending September 7, down from 9,531 the previous week. This data serves as a proxy for layoffs, indicating a positive trend in the state's employment situation.
Despite the encouraging numbers in Pennsylvania, the national picture was less positive. Across the U.S., unemployment claims rose to 230,000 last week, an increase of 2,000 claims from the previous week on a seasonally adjusted basis. The largest percentage increase in weekly claims was seen in Nebraska, where claims jumped by 104.0%. Conversely, the Virgin Islands saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with a decrease of 50%.
The data was released as part of the U.S. Department of Labor's weekly unemployment insurance claims report, which provides a snapshot of the nation's employment situation. The report is closely watched by economists and policymakers as an indicator of the health of the labor market and the wider economy.