Weekly applications for unemployment benefits were unchanged and the four-week average of applications fell to its lowest level in four years last week. The figures add to evidence that show the job market is improving.
Here are the states with the biggest decreases in applications. No states reported significant increases. The state data is for the week ended Feb. 11, one week behind the national data.
States with the biggest decreases:
California: Down 8,462, due to fewer layoffs in the service and retail industries
Pennsylvania: Down 3,789, due to fewer layoffs in the construction, retail, scientific and technology services and entertainment industries
New York: Down 2,429, due to fewer layoffs in food services, construction and retail
North Carolina: Down 2,199, due to fewer layoffs in the construction, food, electronic, leather and furniture industries
South Carolina: Down 1,538, due to fewer layoffs in manufacturing
