The number of people filing for unemployment benefits for the first time fell by 20,000 in the latest week, as 211,000 Initial Jobless Claims were reported. This is the lowest level of first-time filers since September. Continuing Claims, which measure people who continue to receive benefits after their initial claim is filed, rose 1,000 to 1.671 million.

What’s the bottom line? Continuing Claims have now risen by 307,000 since the beginning of October to their highest level since February. This points to a potential slowdown in the pace of hiring, suggesting it’s becoming harder for many to find a job once they’re let go.