Initial claims for unemployment rose slightly to 393,000 last week, although the four-week moving average for claims fell, indicating a small boost for the nation’s job market.
The U.S. Department of Labor said Massachusetts had 2,223 fewer filings last week, the fourth-best showing among the 50 states, behind California, Pennsylvania and Texas. This adds to Tuesday’s positive news on unemployment in the Bay State. The Commonwealth’s jobless rate in October fell to 6.8 percent. Local jobless rates throughout Central Massachusetts also fell.
The four-week national moving average of weekly claims was 394,250, a drop of 3,250 from the week ending Nov. 12.
