Bureau of Labor Statistics Mass Layoffs Data

The Mass Layoff Statistics program is a Federal-State cooperative statistical effort
which uses a standardized, automated approach to identify, describe, and track the effects
of major job cutbacks, using data from each State's unemployment insurance database.
Establishments which have at least 50 initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) filed
against them during a consecutive 5-week period are contacted by State agencies to determine
whether those separations are of at least 31 days duration, and, if so, information
is
obtained on the total number of persons separated, the reasons for these separations, and
recall expectations. Establishments are identified according to industry classification
and location, and unemployment insurance claimants are identified by such demographic
characteristics as age, race, sex, ethnic group, and place of residence. The program
yields
information on an individual's entire spell of unemployment, to the point when regular
unemployment insurance benefits are exhausted. It provides databases of establishments
and claimants, both of which are used for further research and analysis.
Data available
Monthly data report summary information on all establishments which have at least 50 initial
claims for unemployment insurance (UI) filed against them during a 5-week period. Data are
available for 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as by
industry.

Quarterly data report on private sector nonfarm establishments which have at least 50
initial claims filed against them during a 5-week period and where the employer indicates
that 50 or more people were separated from their jobs for at least 31 days. Information is
obtained on the total number of persons separated; the reasons for separation; worksite closures;
recall expectations; and socioeconomic characteristics on UI claimants such as gender, age, race,
and residency. These characteristics are collected at two points in time when an initial claim
is filed and when the claimant exhausts regular UI benefits. In between these points, the
unemployment status of claimants is tracked through the monitoring of certifications for
unemployment (continued claims) filed under the regular State UI program. Data are available
for 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as by
industry.
Coverage
Monthly, quarterly, and annual data for 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto
Rico. Monthly data are available since April 1995; quarterly data since second quarter 1995. <br><br>