The number of individuals seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 352,000, the fewest since April 2008. The declining numbers added to evidence that the job market is strengthening.According to the Labor Department, applications fell 50,000, the biggest drop in the seasonally adjusted figure in more than six years.A department spokesman cautioned that volatility at this time of year is common. Applications had jumped two weeks ago, largely because companies laid off thousands of temporary workers hired for the holidays.
