Jobless claims at four-month high, cast shadow over jobs market

[marmar]

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits hit a four-month high last week, the latest suggestion the labor market recovery lost some momentum in March.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 28,000 to a seasonally adjusted 385,000, the highest level since November, the Labor Department said on Thursday.

Economists, who had expected claims to drop to 350,000, said while part of the rise reflected difficulties adjusting the data during the Easter and spring breaks, there was no doubt the pace of job growth had eased.

"What we do know is that the growth momentum has slowed, employment has slowed. The question is how much?" said Millan Mulraine, a senior economist at TD Securities in New York. ....................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/04/us-usa-economy-jobless-idUSBRE9330HH20130404

[xchrom]

1. Du rec. Nt

[Boomerproud]

2. I'm one of those "statistics"

At the moment I'm in a AARP program where I work part time at minimum wage while having to apply for 5 jobs a week. It's getting worse and worse. And to all those on-line universities who call me at 10:00 at night-leave me alone!!

[jeffrey_pdx]

3. I'm one of those statistics too.

I got fired early in March for no one specific reason. Now I'm fighting to get unemployment because my old employer is claiming I didn't show up for my last shift without calling anyone. I called out sick. One of the people I called that morning to call out is willing to attest to that. I also called our general manager that day, but he's the fucker who fired me, so I can't bring myself to call him to ask him "What the fuck??". A full month with no money coming in. I'm down to eating grilled cheese sandwiches and lots of rice. Hopefully I'll have a hearing soon to get this straightened out. Even if I get a job tomorrow, I still want my god damn unemployment for the last month.