Weekly jobless claims lower than before pandemic

(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - New data from the Labor Department says weekly claims for unemployment benefits are below pre-pandemic levels.

Last week's jobless claims, adjusted for seasonal swings, totaled 199,000, which is at its lowest level in 52 years.

Some economists say layoffs are hitting new lows as employers take measures to attract and hold onto workers.

Overall, nearly 2.5 million people received government benefits under various programs in the week ending November 6 and that's down from 3.2 million the previous week.