Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia dropped significantly last week, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor, bucking a slight increase seen in national claims.

New jobless claims, often viewed as a proxy for layoffs, fell to 4,155 in the week ending August 30. This marks a decrease from the 4,616 claims filed the week prior, indicating a reduction in new unemployment in the state.

The positive trend in Georgia stands in contrast to the national picture. U.S. unemployment claims rose to 237,000 last week, an increase of 8,000 claims from the seasonally adjusted 229,000 reported the week before.

Across the country, states saw varied shifts. Tennessee experienced the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with filings jumping by a substantial 103.1%. Meanwhile, Kentucky recorded the largest percentage drop in new claims, with a decrease of 64.4%.

While weekly fluctuations are common, the continued relatively low number of initial claims both statewide and nationally generally points to a resilient labor market. Georgia’s specific decline suggests a stable or improving employment situation within the state despite broader national movements.

The Department of Labor’s weekly report provides a real-time snapshot of the health of the job market, and for Georgia, the latest figures offer a positive signal regarding recent layoffs.