TABLE 5: Layoffs and discharges estimated rate and level changes between August 2012 and September 2012, and test of significance, seasonally adjusted Rates Levels (in thousands) ===== ===================== Estimated Minimum Pass test of Estimated Minimum Pass test of over-the-month significant significance over-the-month significant significance Industry and region change change* change change* Total -0.1 0.1 -147 197 INDUSTRY Total private -0.2 0.2 -130 194 Government -0.1 0.1 -17 23 REGION Northeast 0.1 0.3 38 85 South 0.0 0.2 -26 112 Midwest -0.3 0.3 -115 87 YES West -0.2 0.3 -45 93 SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, November 6, 2012. *NOTE: Significant over-the-month changes are calculated at a 90 percent confidence level. The median standard error is used in testing the over-the-month change.