Storm Causes Spike in Jobless Claims

Washington, DC, Sept. 13, 2012 -- The number of people who applied for initial unemployment benefits rose sharply last week due mainly to delayed claims filed by people affected by Tropical Storm Isaac, according to the Labor Department.

Initial jobless claims increased by 15,000 to a seasonally adjusted 382,000 in the week ended Sept. 8.

The government said more than half the increase, or some 9,000 claims, stemmed from the tropical storm.

Some people could not work because of storm damage, but they did not apply for benefits right away.

Economists expected claims to rise to 370,000.