Gov't to report on jobless claims as layoffs rise. Economists forecast that about 575,000 initial claims were filed.

AP
Gov't to report on jobless claims as layoffs rise
Thursday January 29, 12:15 am ET
By Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer

Government to provide snapshot of battered labor market as layoffs continue

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government will provide a snapshot of the battered labor market Thursday when it reports how many people filed first-time claims for jobless benefits last week.

Economists forecast that about 575,000 initial claims were filed, down from 589,000 the previous week. Still, last week's figure matched a level hit in November that was the highest in 26 years, although the labor force has grown by about half since then.

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