The number of US workers claiming unemployment benefits for the first time declined last week to the lowest level since January, the labour department said on Thursday, offering another glimmer of hope that companies may be culling employees at a slower pace.

New jobless claims fell back by 34,000 last week to 601,000, beating economists’ expectations for a rise. However, those continuing to claim unemployment benefits rose to 6.35m from a revised 6.29m during the week ending April 25. That was the highest total since tracking began in 1967.