The number of workers filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell by 10,000 last week, according to the labor department.

While this is good news, the department pointed out that the level of joblessness is still a cause for concern.

Initial claims for state unemployment insurance benefits fell to 450,000 in the week ending August 9 but it is the fourth consecutive week that new claims have exceeded 400,000.

The labour department also said that the number of people remaining on benefits after one week of state aid has jumped to 3.42 million. The figure has not been this high since November 2003.

Earlier this month, the department announced that 47,000 jobs were shed in May, while in June there were 51,000 job cuts.

Americans struggling with rising food and fuel prices or tax debt may need to consider taking on a debt management plan.

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