U.S. jobless claims fall to pandemic low

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell last week to a fresh pandemic low as labor market conditions continued to improve and the economy reopened more broadly.

Initial claims in regular state programs fell by 92,000 to 498,000 in the week ended May 1, Labor Department data showed Thursday. The job market is strengthening as employers look to fill positions left empty by the pandemic. Friday’s employment report is expected to show that the U.S. added about 1 million jobs in April, a sign that fewer business restrictions are bringing more Americans back to work.

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Claims fell broadly across the U.S., with the biggest drops in Virginia and New York.

Continuing claims for ongoing state benefits rose slightly in the week ended April 24. Applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for self-employed and gig workers decreased.