The number of people seeking Massachusetts unemployment benefits over the past month has risen to a three month high after months of steady declines. The number of unemployment applications rose to 386,000, with the four week average rising slightly to just under 375,000. Economists believe that application numbers below 375,000 are generally indicative of strong hiring that will lower the unemployment rate. Temporary layoffs may have contributed to the rise – many school employees, for example, are temporarily laid off during spring break while students are away – but some economists believe that Massachusetts job growth is just slowing.
The Massachusetts housing market has also suffered some recent setbacks. Sales of previously owned homes fell 2.6 percent last month, down to 4.48 million. The sales number generally hovers around 6 million in a healthy economy, according to some economists. Offsetting this news, however, were higher numbers of first-time home buyers. After a large settlement between the largest banks and the states, banks were allowed to finally begin some foreclosures that had been held up procedurally while the state lawsuit proceeded, causing the foreclosure numbers to increase. The number of homes up for sale fell. Housing prices are still falling, however; so at this point, the indicators are too conflicting to make meaningful predictions.
If you or someone you love has sustained personal injuries while on the job, do not hesitate to call the Massachusetts worker’s compensation benefits attorney advocates and Boston personal injury lawyer professionals at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates today at 617-787-3700. Our Boston, MA lawyer experts, Boston, MA worker’s compensation lawyer professionals and Boston, MA personal injury lawyer advocates are some of the best around, and are nationally known for their ability to successfully pursue the Massachusetts worker’s compensation benefits and personal injury damages that our clients deserve.
Call our Boston, Massachusetts law office today at 617-787-3700 or email our expert Massachusetts attorney law firm at gilhoylaw@hotmail.com. Your needs are our top priority!
