How states fared on unemployment applications

Job applicants wait in line at a job fair in San Jose, California. (AP)

Fewer people applied for unemployment benefits last week, evidence that layoffs are declining and companies may be hiring more workers. The number of people seeking benefits dropped by 6,000 to 388,000 in the week ended March 26.

Here are states with the biggest declines in applications. The state data is one week behind the national figures. No state reported an increase greater than 1,000, the department said.

States with the biggest drops in claims:

Illinois: Down 2,696, due to fewer layoffs in the construction, service and manufacturing industries

California: Down 2,150, no reason given

Pennsylvania: Down 2,145, due to fewer layoffs in the transportation, construction, and service industries

Ohio: Down 1,320, no reason given

Washington: Down 1,215, no reason given

Oregon: Down 1,105, no reason given