USA TODAY Network

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia dropped last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, fell to 4,241 in the week ending August 2, down from 4,831 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims rose to 226,000 last week, up 7,000 claims from 219,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Maine saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 43.6%. Vermont, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 47.9%.

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