US jobless claims off to 10-month low at 521,000

The number of seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims fell 6 per cent in the US in the week ended 3 October, a sign that the labour market is reviving in the world's largest economy.

Initial claims decreased by 33,000 to 521,000 in the week from the previous week's revised figure of 554,000, the US Labor Department said yesterday.

This is the lowest number in claims since January.

Typically, people are eligible for 26 weeks of regular state unemployment benefits in the US, with the average payment about $300 a week.

With federal help, including several measures in the economic stimulus package passed last February, the unemployed in states hardest hit by the recession can receive up to 79 weeks of assistance.

The number of jobless claims fell for the fourth time in the past five weeks, analysts pointed out, adding that the decline in continuing state claims show that companies are more willing to hire.