Mass Layoff Statistics Home Page

General Overview:
The Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) program collects reports on mass layoff actions that result in workers being separated from their jobs. Monthly mass layoff numbers are from establishments which have at least 50 initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) filed against them during a 5-week period. Extended mass layoff numbers (issued quarterly) are from a subset of such establishments--where private sector nonfarm employers indicate that 50 or more workers were separated from their jobs for at least 31 days. General Overview Economic News Releases Special Notices Get Detailed MLS Statistics Publications and Other Documentation Related Links Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us
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Data Available \| Coverage \| Sources of Data \| Forms of Publication \| Uses of the Data
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Economic News Releases:

Current Mass Layoffs (Monthly) (HTML) (PDF) Extended Mass Layoffs (Quarterly) (HTML) (PDF) Extended Mass Layoffs Associated with Domestic and Overseas Relocations Archived Archived Mass Layoffs (Monthly) Releases (1996-) Archived Extended Mass Layoffs (Quarterly) Releases (1996-)
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Special Notices:

Data Revision Procedure for Mass Layoff Statistics Data Change in Industry Classification System NEW Special Note to Users of Mass Layoff Statistics Data
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Get Detailed MLS Statistics:

Most Requested Statistics--Select from lists of the most popular MLS statistics. Create Customized Tables (one screen) --this application (previously called "Public Data Query") requires a Java-enabled browser. Choose the data you want from BLS databases on a simple, one-screen form. Create Customized Tables (multiple screens) --a form-based query application which allows you to obtain BLS time series data based on choices you make (previously called "Selective Access"). Series Report--Already know the series identifier for the statistic you want? Use this shortcut to retrieve your data. Flat files (FTP)--For those who want it all. Download a flat file of the entire database or large subset of the database.
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Publications and Other Documentation:

Needs and Alternatives for Plant Closing and Layoff Statistics NEW Extended Mass Layoffs in 2002, Report 971 (PDF 292K) BLS Handbook of Methods, Chapter 6, Mass Layoff Statistics
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Related Links:

Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey-- national data on employment, unemployment, earnings, and other labor market topics by demographic characteristics. Nonfarm Payroll Statistics from the Current Employment Statistics (National)-- monthly national data by detailed industry on employment, hours, and earnings of workers on the payrolls of nonfarm establishments. Nonfarm Payroll Statistics from the Current Employment Statistics (State and Area)-- monthly data on employment, hours, and earnings by industry and geographic area. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages -- comprehensive employment and wage data by industry and geographic area for workers covered by State Unemployment Insurance laws. Occupational Employment Statistics-- annual data on employment and wages for about 750 occupations and 400 nonfarm industries for the nation, plus occupational data by geographic area. Local Area Unemployment Statistics-- monthly and annual employment, unemployment, and labor force data for Census regions and divisions, States, counties, metropolitan areas, and many cities, by place of residence. National Longitudinal Surveys-- several surveys gathering information at multiple points in time about the labor market and life experiences of six groups of American men, women, and youth. Survey of Employer-Provided Training -- provides detailed information on training by major industry division and by size of establishment from surveys conducted in 1993 and 1995.

Latest Numbers

Total Mass Layoff Events:

12-Month Change
-449(p) since Aug 2003

12-Month % Change
-35.7%(p) since Aug 2003

Total Mass Layoff Initial Claimants:

12-Month Change
-64,806(p) since Aug 2003

12-Month % Change
-48.4%(p) since Aug 2003

Private Nonfarm Mass Layoff Events:

12-Month Change
-418(p) since Aug 2003

12-Month % Change
-35.9%(p) since Aug 2003

Private Nonfarm Mass Layoff Initial Claimants:

12-Month Change
-60,255(p) since Aug 2003

12-Month % Change
-48.5%(p) since Aug 2003

Private Nonfarm Extended Mass Layoff Events:

4-Quarter Change
-566(p) since 2nd Qtr of 2003

4-Quarter % Change
-31.5%(p) since 2nd Qtr of 2003

Private Nonfarm Extended Mass Layoff Separations:

4-Quarter Change
-134,421(p) since 2nd Qtr of 2003

4-Quarter % Change
-36.5%(p) since 2nd Qtr of 2003

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» Click on the icon for historical data.

People Are Asking...

1. Are companies having mass layoffs identified by name?

2. What are the differences between mass layoffs and extended mass layoffs?

3. Does the Mass Layoff Statistics program track all layoffs?

4. What is the industry classification basis for the MLS?

5. Does MLS track layoffs in "high-technology industries" or the "dot coms"?

Send us your question

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