WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits increased again last week, JPMorgan estimated on Thursday, hinting at some early layoffs related to the U.S. government shutdown.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose to a seasonally adjusted 235,000 for the week ending October 4 from 224,000 the prior week, JPMorgan calculated. Official economic data collection and publication has been suspended because of the government shutdown, now in its second week.

States have continued to collect unemployment claims data and submit it to Labor Department’s database, which remains accessible. The shutdown following a lapse in funding has delayed the release of the closely watched employment report for September, crucial for decision-makin

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