According to the latest figures released, the total number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits increased 16,000 during the week to a seasonally adjusted 360,000.

The data also showed that the level remained in line with the steady level of hiring in the country. The US Labor Department said on Thursday that the four-week average, which is a more stable measure, increased 6,000, to 351,750.

The data recorded on the weekly basis is volatile as some automotive firms close down for preparing new models and several schools are closed. This results in a rise in Layoffs in the country and an increase in applications for unemployment benefits.

The number of applications has been falling since the previous year as employers reduced layoffs and increased hiring in the US economy. Data showed that employers have added an average of 202,000 jobs per month during the previous six months compared to an average of 180,000 for the previous six months.

A total of 195,000 jobs were added during the month of June, and revisions showed that an further 70,000 jobs were added in the previous two months. The total unemployment rate was recorded at 7.6 percent compared to 8.2 per cent recorded in the previous year.