Nationwide unemployment rates lowest since 2009

NBC NATIONAL NEWS — The Department of Labor says weekly applications for jobless benefits fell last week to 369,000, which shows a level of modest hiring nationwide.

The newest figure shows 23,000 less applications for unemployment benefits than the previous week.

Right now, the unemployment rate stands at 7.8 percent, which is the lowest level since 2009. This is due in large part to a jump in part-time employment.