Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Massachusetts rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, increased to 4,864 in the week ending September 28, up from 4,776 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims rose to 225,000 last week, up 6,000 claims from 219,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Iowa saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 41.8%. Virgin Islands, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 61.3%.

From the heraldnews.com.