U.S. applications for jobless benefits rose by 11,000 to 219,000 for the week ending February 1, the Labor Department said Thursday.

The Labor Department said jobless claims rose by 11,000 last week to 219,000, a bit higher than expected. More Americans filed unemployment claims last week, but the labor market remains healthy and there are still relatively few layoffs.

More Americans filed unemployment claims last week, but the labor market remains healthy and layoffs relatively low