The number of new applications for unemployment benefits rose by 28,000 last week to 222,000 after plummeting by a shocking amount the week before, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

The number of jobless claims was fewer than forecasters expected, but it is the second-lowest mark of the pandemic recovery and a sign of labor market tightness. Throughout the year, initial jobless claims have ticked down as fewer people suffer layoffs and require economic assistance from the government.