Jobs, Weekly Jobless Claims | featured news

The number of newly laid-off workers filing initial claims for jobless benefits rose unexpectedly last week, evidence that layoffs are continuing and jobs remain scarce.

The number of newly laid-off Americans filing jobless claims fell more than expected last week and retail sales grew in May for the first time in three months, fresh evidence that the worst of the recession may have past.

The number of workers filing claims for jobless benefits jumped last week to 54,000 as the recession forces companies to cut costs. Meanwhile, wholesale prices fell.