The Associated Press reports in a further sign the job market is improving, first-time jobless claims fell to a seasonally-adjusted 350,000 last week, the lowest level since March 2008. The four-week average of 356,750 is almost a five-year low. However, since many state unemployment offices were closed Mon. and Tue. of last week and could not provide exact numbers, the Labor Dept. relied on estimates from 19 states in calculating its figures. As MHProNews has learned, although the government’s estimates are generally accurate, revised figures will likely be released.

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