The U.S. Department of Labor reported on Thursday that unemployment claims rose by 9,000 to reach 224,000 claims in the last week of November, indicating a gradual slowdown in the labor market.

Economic observers attribute this increase to several factors, including hurricanes “Helen” and “Milton” as well as labor strikes at major companies like Boeing.

Based on these factors, the unemployment rate is expected to rise to 4.2% in November, reflecting continued pressures in the U.S. labor market.