Major Error in U.S. Continuing Jobless Claims Data: One State’s Figures Underestimated by Nearly 20,000

Due to a technical error, the U.S. Department of Labor’s weekly jobless claims report released on Thursday significantly underestimated North Carolina’s claims data by over 19,000.

The report showed that as of the week ending September 6, the number of continuing jobless claims in North Carolina was only 205, the lowest level ever recorded in the state, while the typical figure is close to 20,000. The North Carolina Department of Commerce, responsible for collecting and transmitting data to Washington, stated that the discrepancy was caused by a "technical error," with the correct number being 19,355.

A spokesperson for the Department of Labor said an investigation is ongoing.

J.P. Morgan economist Abiel Reinhart noted, "Once the data is revised, we expect national continuing claims to increase by approximately 20,000. This would still keep jobless claims consistent with levels seen in recent weeks."