Unemployment benefits filings rose to 199,000 last week, says the Department of Labor

Despite the increase, layoffs remain in a healthy range.

FILE – A now hiring sign is seen in front of an auto body shop in Chicago, June 25, 2026. [Photo: Nam Y. Huh/AP Photo]

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but layoffs remain in the historically healthy range of the past few years.U.S. filings for jobless aid in the week ended August 1 rose by 1,000 to 199,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The previous week’s figure was revised up by 1,000 to 198,000.Weekly filings for unemployment benefits are considered representative of layoffs and are close........

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