Initial Jobless Claims Rise Unexpectedly

Analysts point out economy seems to be growing, but hiring not picking up

WASHINGTON - The number of new claims for unemployment benefits jumped unexpectedly last week as heavy snows led to higher layoffs.

In addition, many state agencies in the mid-Atlantic and New England regions that process the claims were closed due to the storms and are now clearing out backlogs, a Labor Department analyst said.

Still, the increase is likely to amplify concerns that the job market is weakening, potentially slowing the economic recovery.

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