(WHTM) — After three straight weeks of decline, unemployment claims grew in Pennsylvania last week.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported 13,601 new initial unemployment claims for the week ending in July 12. That’s 1,865 more than the previous week, and the first increase in a month.

Pennsylvania’s figures bucked the national trend. The number of Americans filing for new unemployment benefits decreased by 7,000 to 221,000, the fifth straight decline and lowest level since April.

It’s a continued sign of a strong national labor market after the Labor Department reported adding 147,000 new jobs earlier this month.

Still, the U.S. unemployment rate remains at 4.1%. PA Department of Labor statistics showed the state’s unemployment rate at 3.9% in May.

The department expects to release figures for June this Friday.