WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of US workers filing new claims for unemployment insurance rose unexpectedly last week, reflecting seasonal volatility, according to a government report yesterday.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 18,000 to a seasonally adjusted 460,000, the Labor Department said. Analysts polled by Reuters expected claims to edge down to 435,000 from a previously reported 439,000 the prior week.

A Labor Department official attributed the rise in claims to seasonal volatility, mainly from the Easter holiday, and noted there were shutdowns in two states. A holiday on March 31 in California also had an effect on claims, he said.