The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose by 1,000 last week, according to a report on Thursday that could stoke fears the labor market recovery has stalled.

Initial claims for state jobless benefits increased to 427,000, the Labor Department said. A department official added the slim rise meant the level was essentially unchanged.

But economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims dropping to 415,000 from a previously reported count of 422,000.

Unemployment