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

New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, fell to 4,187 in the week ending May 3, down from 8,179 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims dropped to 228,000 last week, down 13,000 claims from 241,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Michigan saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 128.3%. Delaware, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 61.7%.

From heraldnews.com.