The Associated Press
The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits jumped last week, but remained at a low level that suggests hiring should remain steady.
The Labor Department says applications rose 28,000 to a seasonally adjusted 326,000. The increase comes after applications fell to their lowest level since May 2007 two weeks ago.
Here are the states with the biggest increases and decreases in applications. The data is for the week that ended May 10, one week behind the national figures:
States with the biggest decreases:
California: Down 7,651, due to fewer layoffs in services
Massachusetts: Down 2,316, due to fewer layoffs in transportation and warehousing, and construction
Pennsylvania: Down 1,408, due to fewer layoffs in construction and transportation and warehousing
New York: Down 1,391, due to fewer layoffs in transportation and warehousing, professional and scientific services, and government
Florida: Down 1,230, due to fewer layoffs in agriculture, construction, manufacturing and retail
States with the biggest increases:
Mississippi: Up 1,183, no reason given
Georgia: Up 1,147, due to layoffs in administrative, construction, hotels and restaurants, and health care
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