Demand for U.S. workers remains extremely high despite sluggish economic growth around the world and an ailing manufacturing sector in the U.S.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 212,000 last week, according to data released by the Labor Department Thursday. The prior week was revised up to 218,000 from 214,000.

Economists had expected a slight rise from last week.