(NEWSnet/AP) — The number of U.S. residents applying for unemployment benefits fell last week, and layoffs remained historically low.

Jobless claims for the week ending May 18 fell by 8,000 to 215,000, down from 223,000 the week prior, U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

The four-week average of claims rose by 1,750, to 219,750.

About 1.79 million Americans were collecting jobless benefits during the week ending May 11. That’s from up 8,000 from the previous week and 84,000 more than the same period in 2023.

Although layoffs remain at low levels, companies have been announcing more cuts recently, mainly in media and technology.

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