WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell sharply for the second straight week, suggesting the job market is slowly recovering.

Applications for benefits dropped 29,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 409,000, the Labor Department said.

The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose slightly to 439,000. It was the sixth straight increase.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO, part of your ALM digital membership.

  • Critical BenefitsPRO information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.