First-time applications for state unemployment benefits rose 54,000 to a seasonally adjusted 524,000 in the week ending Jan. 10, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average of new claims fell 8,000 to 518,500 - a level that is 55% higher than the average during the same period in the prior year. Meanwhile, the number of people collecting benefits in the week ending Jan. 3 fell 115,000 to 4.5 million, a level that is 64% higher than the prior year. The four-week average of continuing claims rose 27,500 to 4.5 million - the highest level since December 1982. The insured unemployment rate remained at 3.4%.
