The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment unexpectedly fell less than expected last week, as the U.S. labor market is struggling to recover from its biggest shock in history, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits totaled 751,000 for the week ended October 31. This was the lowest level since the U.S. went into coronavirus lockdown in mid-March, but well above pre-pandemic levels.

Economists had expected 732,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised upwardly to 758,000 from the initial estimate of 751,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims dropped to 787,000 from an upwardly revised 791,000 in the previous week.

Continuing claims declined to 7,823,000 million from an upwardly revised 7,823,000 in the previous week.