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 4,732 in the week ending May 31, down from 8,490 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims rose to 247,000 last week, up 8,000 claims from 239,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Kentucky saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 208.9%. Nebraska, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 50%.

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