Mass Layoff Statistics

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.

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NEW MLS program issues the annual report on 2011 extended mass layoffs

NEW Business functions and processes in third quarter 2012 extended mass layoffs

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MLS News Releases

Mass Layoffs (Monthly)

January 25, 2013

In December, employers took 1,509 mass layoff actions involving 137,839 workers. Mass layoff events decreased by 240 from November, and associated initial claims decreased by 35,040. In 2012, annual totals for events and initial claims were at their lowest levels since 2007. More...
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Extended Mass Layoffs (Quarterly)

February 14, 2013

In the fourth quarter of 2012, 1,674 extended mass layoff events involved 319,639 worker separations; both measures down from 2011. More...
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Frequently Asked Questions

People Are Asking...

  1. Does the MLS program collect information on offshoring and outsourcing?
  2. Are companies having mass layoffs identified by name?
  3. What are the differences between mass layoffs and extended mass layoffs?
  4. Does the Mass Layoff Statistics program track all layoffs?
  5. What is the industry classification basis for the MLS?
  6. Does MLS track layoffs in "high-technology industries" or the "dot coms"?

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the MLS program?
  2. What kind of information does the MLS program provide?
  3. What constitutes a mass layoff?
  4. What is an Initial Claim?
  5. Are companies having mass layoffs identified by name when mass layoffs occur?
  6. What industry classification system does the MLS program use?
  7. How are MLS program data used?
  8. Are MLS data benchmarked?
  9. How are data revisions indicated?
  10. Why are "domestic relocation" and "overseas relocation" as reasons for layoff no longer collected?
  11. Whom should I contact if I have questions regarding the MLS program?

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Please contact us via email or by phone on 202-691-6392.

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