Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Michigan 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 4,485 in the week ending September 13, down from 8,441 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims dropped to 231,000 last week, down 33,000 claims from 264,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis.

South Carolina saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 60.6%. North Dakota, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 70.9%.

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