U.S. initial jobless claims rise 3,000 to 311,000

The number of Americans filing first-time claims for state unemployment benefits stayed close to the average for the last year, reflecting a healthy labor market.

Initial jobless claims rose by 3,000 to 311,000 in the week ended Saturday, the Labor Department said. Weekly claims have averaged about 314,000 over the last year, while the unemployment rate has hovered near a six-year low.

Companies are reluctant to fire workers as the economy shows signs of accelerating. Weekly claims are returning to more normal levels after fluctuating over the last two months because of seasonal hiring patterns at employers such as retailers.