Latest U.S. Department of Labor News
Fewer Americans apply for jobless benefits last week as labor market shows continued strength
The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits fell last week in a sign that the labor market remains strong. Applications for jobless benefits fell by 16,000 to 207,000 for the week ending January 25, the Labor Department said Thursday. Analysts were expecting 225,000 new...
More Americans file for unemployment benefits last week, continuing claims highest in 3 years
Jobless claims applications ticked up modestly last week, but the total number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits rose to their highest level in more than three years. Applications for jobless benefits rose by 6,000 to 223,000 for the week ending January 18, the Labor...
Labor Department puts spotlight on child labor in slaughterhouses with 3 settlements this week
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The problem of kids working in dangerous slaughterhouses continues to be a concern as the Labor Department announced its third agreement this week with a company in the industry agreeing to pay a penalty and reform its practices to help ensure it won't hire underage workers...
More Americans file for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain historically low
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week, but layoffs remain historically low and the job market broadly healthy. Applications for jobless benefits rose by 14,000 for the week ending January 11, the Labor Department said Thursday, up from the previous...
Perdue agrees to pay $4 million after children worked hazardous jobs, Labor Department says
ACCOMAC, Va. (AP) — Perdue Farms will pay $4 million in restitution after it employed children in hazardous occupations at a Virginia plant and let them work past 7 p.m. during the regular school week, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Wednesday. The hazardous work at the...
US inflation picked up in December but underlying price pressures eased
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. inflation accelerated last month as prices for gas, eggs, and used cars rose, yet underlying price pressures also showed signs of easing, bolstering hopes that the Federal Reserve could still cut its key interest rate this year. The consumer price index rose...
US producer prices rose 0.2% last month on higher energy costs
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. wholesale inflation rose last month on higher energy prices. The Labor Department reported Tuesday that its producer price index — which tracks inflation before it hits consumers — rose 0.2% last month from November, down from a 0.4% gain the month...
Surging job market could prove costly for households, businesses as odds of quick rate cuts fade
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. job growth surged and unemployment fell last month, an unexpected show of strength that may prove costly to homebuyers and businesses who were counting on sharply lower interest rates to lower the cost of buying everything from refrigerators to homes. ...
Next Week: Producer prices, consumer prices, retail sales
A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming next week. Inflation barometer The Labor Department releases its producer price index for December on Tuesday. The index measures inflation at the wholesale level, before...
US applications for jobless claims fall to 201,000, lowest level in nearly a year
U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in nearly a year last week, pointing to a still healthy labor market with historically low layoffs. The Labor Department on Wednesday said that applications for jobless benefits fell to 201,000 for the week ending...
