WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment aid increased last week after falling sharply two weeks ago. Despite the rise, the level of applications remains near pre-recession levels, a sign hiring will remain healthy.<br />
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The Labor Department says weekly unemployment benefit applications rose 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 293,000. Yet the four-week average, a less volatile measure, fell for the second straight week to 298,500.<br />
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Two weeks ago, applications had plummeted to 281,000, near a 14-year low first reached in July.<br />
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Applications are a proxy for layoffs. Fewer applications indicate that employers are holding onto their workers, likely because they are more confident about the economy. It may also indicate they will boost hiring.<br />
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The total number of people receiving benefits ticked up by 7,000 to 2.4 million.
