States with largest changes in weekly jobless claims, and some of the reasons, at a glance

How states fared on jobless claims, at a glance

Applications for unemployment benefits fell last week for the third time in four weeks, a hopeful sign that employers are laying off fewer workers.

The weekly claims report is a measure of the pace of layoffs and an indication of companies’ willingness to add jobs.

Here’s a look at the states with the biggest changes in initial jobless claims, and some of the reasons for the shifts. The state data is for the week ending Sept. 18, one week behind the nationwide figures.

States with the largest drops in claims:

—Florida: Down 1,777, due to fewer layoffs in the construction, service and manufacturing industries

—Wisconsin: Down 1,049, no reason given

States with the largest increases in claims:

— California: Up 15,153, due to a backup in reporting after Labor Day holiday week

— Illinois: Up 5,949, due to layoffs in construction and manufacturing

— New York: Up 2,303, due to layoffs in construction, trade and services

— Tennessee: Up 2,133, due to layoffs in apparel, industrial machinery and services

— Georgia: Up 1,956, due to layoffs in the construction, services and manufacturing