Employers took 1,609 mass layoff actions in July that resulted in the separation of 143,703 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in July decreased by 38 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 1,835. In July, 307 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 33,381 initial claims.

During the 32 months from December 2007 through July 2010, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 63,461, and the associated number of initial claims was 6,357,583. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in July 2010, seasonally adjusted, unchanged from the prior month and essentially unchanged from 9.4 percent a year earlier. In July, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 131,000 over the month and by 52,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 1,647 mass layoff actions in June that resulted in the separation of 145,538 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in June increased by 235 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 9,749. In June, 298 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 29,384 initial claims.

During the 31 months from December 2007 through June 2010, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 61,852, and the associated number of initial claims was 6,213,880. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in June, seasonally adjusted, down from 9.7 percent the prior month and unchanged from a year earlier. In June, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 125,000 over the month and 170,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 1,412 mass layoff actions in May that resulted in the separation of 135,789 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in May decreased by 444 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 65,081. In May, 266 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 22,577 initial claims. Both figures declined over the month to their lowest levels in program history.

During the 30 months from December 2007 through May 2010, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 60,205, and the associated number of initial claims was 6,068,342. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.7 percent in May 2010, seasonally adjusted, down from 9.9 percent the prior month and up from 9.4 percent a year earlier. In May, total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 431,000 over the month, reflecting the hiring of 411,000 temporary employees to work on Census 2010, but down by 585,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 1,856 mass layoff actions in April that resulted in the separation of 200,870 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in April increased by 228 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 50,006. In April, 448 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 63,616 initial claims.

During the 29 months from December 2007 through April 2010, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 58,793, and the associated number of initial claims was 5,932,553. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.9 percent in April 2010, seasonally adjusted, up from 9.7 percent the prior month and from 8.9 percent a year earlier. In April, nonfarm payroll employment increased by 290,000 over the month but was down by 1,381,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 1,628 mass layoff actions in March that resulted in the separation of 150,864 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in March increased by 58 from the prior month, while the number of associated initial claims decreased by 4,854. The number of events has decreased in 5 of the last 7 months, and the number of initial claims has decreased in 6 of the last 7 months. In March, 356 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 39,290 initial claims. Both figures registered their lowest levels since August 2007.

During the 28 months from December 2007 through March 2010, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 56,937, and the associated number of initial claims was 5,731,683. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.7 percent in March 2010, seasonally adjusted, unchanged from the prior month but up from 8.6 percent a year earlier. In March, nonfarm payroll employment increased by 162,000 over the month but was down by 2,320,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 1,570 mass layoff actions in February that resulted in the separation of 155,718 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in February fell by 191 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 26,543. Both events and initial claims have decreased in 5 out of the last 6 months. In February, 376 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 43,100 initial claims. Both figures declined over the month to their lowest levels since August 2007.

During the 27 months from December 2007 through February 2010, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 55,309, and the associated number of initial claims was 5,580,819. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.7 percent in February 2010, seasonally adjusted, unchanged from the prior month but up from 8.2 percent a year earlier. In February, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 36,000 over the month and by 3,297,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 1,761 mass layoff actions in January that resulted in the separation of 182,261 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. Both mass layoff events and initial claims increased from the prior month after four consecutive over-the-month decreases. In January, 486 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 62,556 initial claims. Both figures increased over the month--the first increases since August 2009 for events and since September 2009 for initial claims.

During the 26 months from December 2007 through January 2010, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 53,739, and the associated number of initial claims was 5,425,101. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.7 percent in January 2010, seasonally adjusted, down from 10.0 percent the prior month but up from 7.7 percent a year earlier. In January, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 20,000 over the month and by 4,022,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 1,726 mass layoff actions in December that resulted in the separation of 153,127 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in December decreased by 87 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 10,696. Both figures reached their lowest level since July 2008. In December, 433 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 44,072 initial claims. Both figures decreased over the month to their lowest levels since November and August 2007, respectively.

During the 25 months from December 2007 through December 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 51,978, and the associated number of initial claims was 5,242,840. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

In 2009, on a not seasonally adjusted basis, the total numbers of mass layoff events, at 28,030, and initial claims, at 2,796,456, reached their highest annual levels on record. (Annual data began in 1996. See table B.) Among the 19 major industry sectors in the private economy, 12 registered annual program highs for both mass layoff events and initial claims. All 4 regions, all 9 divisions, and 43 states and the District of Columbia experienced increases in total annual initial claims from 2008 to 2009. In addition, 3 of the 4 regions, 6 of the 9 divisions, and 26 states recorded program highs in terms of initial claims activity in 2009.

The national unemployment rate was 10.0 percent in December 2009, seasonally adjusted, unchanged from the prior month but up from 7.4 percent a year earlier. In December, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 85,000 over the month and by 4,164,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 1,797 mass layoff actions in November that resulted in the separation of 165,346 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in November decreased by 330 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 51,836, to their lowest levels since July 2008. However, year-to-date mass layoff events (27,669) and initial claims (2,792,736) both recorded program highs for a January to November period. (Data begin in April 1995.) In November, 481 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 56,243 initial claims. Both the number of events and initial claims in manufacturing decreased over the month.

During the 24 months from December 2007 through November 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 51,154, and the number of initial claims filed (seasonally adjusted) in those events was 5,187,170. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 10.0 percent in November 2009, seasonally adjusted, down from 10.2 percent the prior month but up from 6.8 percent a year earlier. In November, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 11,000 over the month and by 4,759,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,127 mass layoff actions in October that resulted in the separation of 217,182 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in October decreased by 434 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 30,824. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events decreased by 77, and associated initial claims decreased by 13,148. Year-to-date mass layoff events (25,872) and initial claims (2,627,390) both recorded program highs. (Data begin in April 1995.) In October, 619 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 70,572 initial claims. Over the month, the number of manufacturing events decreased by 237, and associated initial claims decreased by 26,494.

During the 23 months from December 2007 through October 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 49,357, and the number of initial claims filed (seasonally adjusted) in those events was 5,021,824. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 10.2 percent in October 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 9.8 percent the prior month and from 6.6 percent a year earlier. In October, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 190,000 over the month and by 5,504,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,561 mass layoff actions in September that resulted in the separation of 248,006 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in September decreased by 129 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 11,301. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 271, and associated initial claims increased by 7,285. Year-to-date mass layoff events (23,745) and initial claims (2,410,208) both recorded program highs. In September, 856 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 97,066 initial claims. Over the month, the number of manufacturing events decreased by 44, while associated initial claims increased by 3,174.

During the 22 months from December 2007 through September 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 47,230, and the number of initial claims filed (seasonally adjusted) in those events was 4,804,642. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.8 percent in September 2009, seasonally adjusted, little changed from 9.7 percent the prior month and up from 6.2 percent a year earlier. In September, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 263,000 over the month and by 5,785,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,690 mass layoff actions in August that resulted in the separation of 259,307 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in August increased by 533 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 52,516. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 803, and associated initial claims increased by 70,356. Year-to-date mass layoff events (21,184) and initial claims (2,162,202) both recorded program highs through August. In August, 900 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 93,892 initial claims. Over the month, the number of manufacturing events increased by 279, and associated initial claims increased by 21,626.

During the 21 months from December 2007 through August 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 44,669, and the number of initial claims filed (seasonally adjusted) in those events was 4,556,636. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.7 percent in August 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 9.4 per-cent the prior month and up from 6.2 percent a year earlier. In August, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 216,000 over the month and by 5,830,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,157 mass layoff actions in July that resulted in the separation of 206,791 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in July decreased by 606 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 72,440. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 622, and associated initial claims increased by 54,292. In July, 621 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 72,266 initial claims. Over the year, the number of manufacturing events increased by 166, and associated initial claims increased by 14,618.

During the 20 months from December 2007 through July 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 41,979, and the number of initial claims filed (seasonally adjusted) in those events was 4,297,329. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.4 percent in July 2009, seasonally adjusted, little changed from 9.5 percent the prior month but up from 5.8 percent a year earlier. In July, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 247,000 over the month and by 5,740,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,763 mass layoff actions in June that resulted in the separation of 279,231 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events decreased by 170 and associated initial claims decreased by 33,649. Both measures had been at record high levels in May. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 1,046, and associated initial claims increased by 104,483. In June, 1,235 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 159,310 initial claims. Over the year, the number of manufacturing events increased by 680, and associated initial claims increased by 79,566.

During the 19 months from December 2007 through June 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 39,822, and the number of initial claims filed (seasonally adjusted) in those events was 4,090,538. (December 2007 was designated as the start of a recession by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in June 2009, seasonally adjusted, up slightly from 9.4 percent the prior month and up from 5.6 percent a year earlier. In June, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 467,000 over the month and by 5,664,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,933 mass layoff actions in May that resulted in the separation of 312,880 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in May increased by 221 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 41,654. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 1,232 and associated initial claims increased by 132,322. Initial claims rose to its highest level on record, while events matched the peak level from March 2009, with data available back to 1995. In May, 1,331 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 165,802 initial claims. Over the year, manufacturing events and initial claims more than doubled.

During the 18 months from December 2007 through May 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 37,059, and the number of initial claims (seasonally adjusted) was 3,811,307. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 9.4 percent in May 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 8.9 percent the prior month and from 5.5 percent a year earlier. In May, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 345,000 over the month and by 5,366,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,712 mass layoff actions in April that resulted in the separation of 271,226 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in April decreased by 221 from the prior month, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 28,162. Compared to last year, the number of mass layoff events and associated initial claims more than doubled. In April, the manufacturing sector reported 1,111 mass layoff events, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 135,252 initial claims. Over the month, mass layoff events in manufacturing decreased by 148, and initial claims decreased by 20,657.

During the 17 months from December 2007 to April 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 34,126, and the number of initial claims (seasonally adjusted) was 3,498,427. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in April 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 8.5 percent the prior month and from 5.0 percent a year earlier. In April, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 539,000 over the month and by 5,240,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,933 mass layoff actions in March that resulted in the separation of 299,388 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in March increased by 164 from the prior month, while the number of associated initial claims increased by 3,911. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 1,348, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 137,891. In March, the manufacturing sector experienced 1,259 mass layoff events, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 155,909 initial claims. Over the month, mass layoff events in manufacturing increased by 24, and initial claims increased by 3,291. (See table 1.) Layoff events and initial claims rose to their highest levels on record, with data available back to 1995; events in the manufacturing sector also reached its highest level.

During the 16 months from December 2007 through March 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 31,414, and the number of initial claims (seasonally adjusted) was 3,227,201. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 8.5 percent in March 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 8.1 percent the prior month and from 5.1 percent a year earlier. In March, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 663,000 over the month and by 4,795,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,769 mass layoff actions in February that resulted in the separation of 295,477 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in February increased by 542 from the prior month, while the number of associated initial claims increased by 57,575. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 1,100, and the associated initial claims increased by 112,439. In February, 1,235 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 152,618 initial claims. Over the month, mass layoff events in manufacturing increased by 497, and initial claims increased by 50,041. Layoff events for all industries and for the manufacturing sector rose to their highest levels on record, with data available back to 1995.

During the 15 months from December 2007 through February 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 28,481, and the number of initial claims (seasonally adjusted) was 2,927,813. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 8.1 percent in February 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 7.6 percent the prior month and from 4.8 percent a year earlier. In February, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 651,000 over the month and by 4,168,000 from a year earlier.

Employers took 2,227 mass layoff actions in January that resulted in the separation of 237,902 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in January decreased by 48 from the prior month, while the number of associated initial claims increased by 11,785. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 751, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 88,834. In January, 738 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 102,577 initial claims. Over the month, mass layoff events in manufacturing decreased by 133, and initial claims decreased by 2,825.

During the 14 months from December 2007 through January 2009, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 25,712, and the number of initial claims (seasonally adjusted) was 2,632,336. (December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

The national unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in January 2009, seasonally adjusted, up from 7.2 percent the prior month and from 4.9 percent a year earlier. In January, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 598,000 over the month and by 3,500,000 from a year earlier.

In December, employers took 2,275 mass layoff actions, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer; the number of workers involved totaled 226,117 on a seasonally adjusted basis. The number of mass layoff events in December decreased by 58 from the prior month, while the number of associated initial claims increased slightly by 478. Over the year, the number of mass layoff events increased by 806, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 80,201. In December, 871 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 105,402 initial claims. Over the month, mass layoff events in manufacturing increased by 3, and initial claims increased by 4,759, the fifth consecutive over-the-month increase for both measures.

From the start of the recession in December 2007 through December 2008, the total number of mass layoff events (seasonally adjusted) was 23,485, and the number of initial claims (seasonally adjusted) was 2,394,434.

For all of 2008, on a not seasonally adjusted basis, the total numbers of mass layoff events at 21,137, and initial claims at 2,130,220, reached their highest annual levels since 2001 and 2002, respectively. Among the twenty-one major industry sectors, six registered series highs for both mass layoff events and initial claims for all of 2008--construction; transportation and warehousing; finance and insurance; real estate and rental and leasing; management of companies and enterprises; and accommodation and food services. Eleven states recorded series highs in mass layoff initial claims activity (with data available back to 1996).

The national unemployment rate was 7.2 percent in December, seasonally adjusted, up from 6.8 percent the prior month and from 4.9 percent a year earlier. In December, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 524,000 over the month and by 2,589,000 from a year earlier.