The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits dropped last week, suggesting the economy maintained a steady pace of job growth in May. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 2,

Unemployment claims remained steady at 229,000, signaling a stable labor market, but businesses are hesitant to hire amid tariff-related economic uncertainty. A survey indicated fewer small businesses are struggling to fill job openings.

Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont weekly unemployment claims for the week ending May 17, 2025, fell to under 300, which is the lowest number this year. There had been the usual end-of-ski-season spike in April.