Applications for jobless benefits increased slightly last week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The number of applications rose by 8,000 to reach 339,000 during the first full week of February 2014.

The four-week average for unemployment benefits increased by 3,500 to 336,750. Even still, the numbers are in the same realm as pre-recession figures and indicates that companies are doing less firing and employee layoffs.

Economists speculate that the increase in jobless benefit applications could be partically attributed to a reduction in construction, and other work, due to the extreme weather that has hit a large portion of the nation. Experts also note that the current four-week average for the applications is still less than last year's average of 343,000.  

"The low level of initial claims continues to suggest gradually improving labor market conditions," said Laura Rosner, an economist at BNP Paribas, according to the Associated Press.