The US four-week moving average of initial claims for unemployment insurance rose to 239,750 last week, up 1,250 from the previous week’s revised average, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Department of Labor.

The previous week’s average was revised up by 750.

The four-week moving average decreases the volatility of the weekly numbers. Total initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended Nov. 18 fell to 239,000, down 13,000 from the previous week’s level, which was revised up by 3,000.

The department reported claims-taking procedures continue to be disrupted in the Virgin Islands; the ability to take claims has improved in Puerto Rico.

CNBC reports the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell last week after two straight weekly increases, pointing to continued steady job growth after recent hurricane-related disruptions.