Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose to the highest level in almost three months, extending increases from a four-decade low.

Companies added 147,000 workers in October, the fewest in five months and marking a more limited pace of job creation, data from the ADP Research Institute showed Oct. 2.

Filings for U.S. jobless benefits fell for the first time in three weeks, staying near a four-decade low as employers remain unwilling to part with workers.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose last week by the most since July, after spending several weeks at or near a four-decade low.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits were at a four-decade low over the past two weeks as sales prospects encouraged employers to maintain headcounts.

The number of applications to collect jobless benefits rose less than forecast for  week ended Sept. 24, indicating employers are leery of dismissing workers as the labor market tightens.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits dropped the week ended Sept. 17 to match the lowest level since April, a sign the labor market remains healthy even as hiring moderates.

The number of applications for unemployment benefits barely rose in the week ended Sept. 10, indicating employers remain comfortable with staffing levels.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly dropped to the lowest level in seven weeks, showing employers have little appetite to fire workers.

The U.S. job market probably was a little less robust in the year through March than previously estimated, government figures showed.