First-time jobless claims down in Louisiana

Louisiana has posted its third consecutive weekly drop in first-time claims for jobless benefits. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says there were 3,648 initial claims for the week that ended Saturday. That’s down slightly from the 3,733 filed for the week ending Aug. 20. For the comparable week that ended Aug. 28, 2010, the state posted 4,120 first-time claims. The four-week moving average of claims—a less-volatile measure—decreased to 3,801 from the previous week’s average of 3,854. Those still looking for work filed for an additional 45,463 weeks of benefits for the week that ended Saturday. That was a decrease from the 46,845 for the week ending Aug. 20. For the comparable week in 2010, the unemployed filed for an additional 54,754 weeks of benefits. That’s down slightly from the 3,733 filed for the week ending Aug. 20. For the comparable week that ended Aug. 28, 2010, the state posted 4,120 first-time claims. The four-week moving average of claims—a less-volatile measure—decreased to 3,801 from the previous week’s average of 3,854. Those still looking for work filed for an additional 45,463 weeks of benefits for the week that ended Saturday. That was a decrease from the 46,845 for the week ending Aug. 20. For the comparable week in 2010, the unemployed filed for an additional 54,754 weeks of benefits.