First-time filings up 15,000 in latest week to 627,000, data show WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- First time filings for state unemployment benefits rose sharply in the latest week to reclaim the highest level for this key economic benchmark since the middle of May, the Labor Department reported Thursday. For the week ended June 20, initial claims rose 15,000 to 627,000. This is the highest level since the week ended May 16. After peaking in late March, the trend has been for an incremental decline in claims. This has been one of the principal "green shoots" of recovery. What's clear is that this week's rise was unexpected. Economists had been projecting that a further slight decline was in the cards. The four-week moving average for initial claims fell 500 to stand at 617,250, the government's data showed. For the week ended June 13, initial claims were revised up to 612,000 from a previously reported 608,000. A Labor Department official said that some states reported larger-than-expected claims related to the end of the school year. Many states allow support staff, including bus drivers and cafeteria workers, to file for unemployment during school breaks. For the week ended June 13, continuing claims rose 29,000 to hit 6.74 million. Ongoing claims had fallen for the first time since January in the prior week. The four-week average of continuing claims fell 3,250 to 6.76 million. The U.S. insured unemployment rate, which represents the portion of all workers covered by unemployment insurance who are collecting benefits, stayed put at 5.0%.

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