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.

For Your Information

Elimination of the Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) Program

County level initial claimants in extended mass layoffs by demographic group

MLS program issues the annual report on 2012 extended mass layoffs

Business functions and processes in the First Quarter 2013

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MLS News Releases

In May, 1,301 mass layoff actions affected 127,821 workers

06/21/2013

In May, employers took 1,301 mass layoff actions involving 127,821 workers. Mass layoff events increased by 102 from April, and associated initial claims increased by 10,972. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.
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In 1st quarter 2013, 914 extended mass layoff events affected 154,374 workers

05/13/2013

In the first quarter of 2013, 914 extended mass layoff events involved 154,374 worker separations, both measures down from first quarter 2012 levels.
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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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