CNN
 — 

New applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly surged last week, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in the previously robust U.S. labor market.

According to seasonally adjusted data released by the Department of Labor on Thursday, approximately 242,000 individuals filed for jobless claims last week. This marks an increase of 22,000 from the previous week’s figures and significantly exceeds economists’ forecasts of 220,000 claims.

This represents the largest weekly increase in claims observed in over four months, with weekly claims—often used as an indicator of layoffs—reaching their highest level since early December, according to the Labor Department data.

However, the actual impact of recent large-scale layoffs within the U.S. government remains unclear.

“We are not anticipating a sudden surge in initial claims and unemployment just yet,” stated Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US, on Thursday. “Currently, it seems more likely to be a gradual increase in the rate of terminations.”

Due to its timely nature, initial claims data can be volatile on a weekly basis and is often subject to revisions.

The report from Thursday indicated a rise in first-time claims in Washington, D.C., but there was no increase in claims in Maryland and Virginia during the week ending February 22.

Notably, unemployment data specific to federal workers is reported with a lag of one week and did not show any significant changes from the prior week.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.