Initial unemployment filings in Georgia increased last week compared with the week before, according to new figures released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The state recorded 5,133 new jobless claims for the week ending February 7, up from 4,681 the prior week — a gain of 452 claims. Nationwide, initial unemployment claims fell to 227,000, down 5,000 from 232,000 the week before on a seasonally adjusted basis, signaling a modest improvement at the national level even as Georgia ticked upward.

Other states saw sharper swings. Virginia posted the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, rising 68.8%, while Missouri had the largest percentage drop, with new claims falling 43.5%.