Continuing Unemployment Claims Remain Above 1.8 Million

Initial Jobless Claims were flat in the latest week, as another 212,000 people filed for unemployment benefits for the first time. However, Continuing Claims rose by 2,000, with 1.812 million people still receiving benefits after filing their initial claim.

What’s the bottom line? Initial Jobless Claims can be volatile from week to week, but their relatively low level suggests that employers are still trying to hold on to their workers. Yet, Continuing Claims are still trending higher near some of the hottest levels we’ve seen in recent years, as it’s become harder for some people to find new employment once they are let go.