Weekly unemployment filings fell for the first time in a month, declining by 5,000 to 245,000 in the week ending June 14.
The recent rise in claims since mid-May coincides with the end of the school year, when educational workers like bus drivers and cafeteria staff can collect benefits during summer break.
Despite the four-week average reaching a four-year high, 38 of 53 states showed declines last week, suggesting seasonal patterns are the main driver.
However, those who lose jobs are finding it harder to get new ones, with nearly 2 million people now collecting unemployment benefits—also a four-year high—as businesses remain cautious about hiring amid ongoing trade uncertainty.