The United States Labour Department on Thursday reported that new applications for jobless benefits declined for a third straight week. The claims dropped to levels last seen in November.

New claims fell to 779,000, seasonally adjusted, in the week ended January 30, fewer than expected and a drop of 33,000 from the previous week’s downwardly revised level.

Another data showed that 348,912 new claims were filed last week under a separate program for freelance workers, underscoring the labor force’s continued struggles.

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“Still eye-wateringly huge numbers, with (greater than) 17 million still receiving some form of unemployment benefit,” investment banker Dan Alpert said on Twitter.

The United States saw unemployment skyrocket after the COVID-19 pandemic began last March, with weekly claims climbing into the millions before declining as states relaxed restrictions and consumers felt more confident about venturing out.

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While the latest data shows regular claims hitting their lowest level since late November, they remain well above the single worst week of the 2008-2010 global financial crisis.

Speaking before the data was released, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the high levels of new claims shows the need for more government aid.