The Labor Department has reported that initial jobless claims increased by 3,000, to 422,000, for the week ended Sept. 6. Experts warn that if the labor market does not begin to improve soon, consumer confidence will decrease, posing a threat to economic recovery. Claims have to fall below 385,000 and be accompanied by an increase in hours worked to signal a rebound in the labor market
See "Job woes clouding economic outlook", Chicago Tribune, September 11, 2003