Unemployment applications rise in Ohio and across U.S. as labor market remains weak

6/23/2011

WASHINGTON — More people are applying for unemployment benefits in Ohio and across the U.S., adding to evidence that the labor market is weakening.

The Labor Department says sign-ups rose by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 429,000 last week. It was the biggest jump in a month.

The department says Ohio is among states reporting the largest increases in claims. Ohio applications rose by nearly 3,000 in the most recent weekly reporting period because of layoffs in the automobile and transportation industries.

Claims nationwide have been above 400,000 for 11 straight weeks. Applications had fallen in February to 375,000, a level that signals sustainable job growth.

Companies pulled back on hiring in the spring in the face of higher gas and food prices, which cut into consumer spending.