Number of extended mass layoff events in private nonfarm economy in third quarter of each year, 1995-2005 1995 III 811 1996 III 847 1997 III 851 1998 III 1,028 1999 III 898 2000 III 817 2001 III 1,629 2002 III 1,186 2003 III 1,190 2004 III 886 2005 III (p) 742 p = preliminary