Despite fewer manufacturing layoffs in seven states, nationwide the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits increased by 8,000 last week to reach 308,000, the U.S. Labor Department reported on Oct. 26. The previous week's number of first-time claims was revised upward by 1,000 claims to 300,000.
The department's four-week moving average, however, continued its downward trend. Last week the moving average was 305,250, a decrease of 2,750 claims from the previous week's revised average of 308,000.
