The number of people filing initial claims for unemployment benefits in New York state fell nearly 7 percent to 15,911 in the week ending Oct. 22 from 17,033 the week before.
That’s according to a news release issued Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor, citing advanced data provided by the state.
The drop, which signals a reduction in layoffs, comes after claims had increased by double-digit percentages for two straight weeks in the Empire State.
Those increases were led by higher layoffs in New York’s transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, construction, and accommodation and food service industries, according to the Labor Department.
The state data is not seasonally adjusted and is subject to revision. As a result, weekly jobless claims tend to swing from week to week and are affected by seasonal factors.
Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com