The US four-week moving average of initial claims for unemployment insurance last week rose by 6,500 to a total of 306,500 from the previous week’s upwardly revised average of 300,000, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Department of Labor.

The four-week moving average decreases the volatility of the weekly numbers. Total initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended Jan. 17 fell by 10,000 to a total of 307,000 from the previous week’s upwardly revised figure of 317,000.

MarketWatch reports the level of applicants remained above 300,000 for the third straight week for the first time since July in what’s likely a reflection of post-holiday layoffs.

No special factors impacted this week’s initial claims, according to the Department of Labor.