Number of people seeking jobless benefits drops in Michigan

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid plummeted last week to 339,000, the fewest since February 2008.

If sustained, the lower level could signal stronger hiring. The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid plummeted last week to 339,000, the fewest since February 2008. If sustained, the lower level could signal stronger hiring.

Here are the states with the biggest increases and decreases in applications. The state data are for the week ended Sept. 29, one week behind the national data:

States with the biggest declines:

Mississippi: Down 3,393, no reason given

Michigan: Down 2,639, no reason given

Florida: Down 1,972, due to fewer layoffs in agriculture, construction, and wholesale trade

Ohio: Down 1,723, due to fewer layoffs in manufacturing

Oregon: Down 1,135, no reason given

States with the biggest increases:

New York: Up 2,764, due to layoffs in construction, transportation and food services

California: Up 2,069, no reason given

North Carolina: Up 1,217, due to layoffs in construction and manufacturing

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