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Mass Layoff Statistics
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Overview of the MLS Program
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.
Sources of data
Monthly data are based on the administrative records of unemployment insurance filings and establishment classifications. Quarterly data are based on administrative data supplemented with employer confirmation of layoffs and plant closings and additional employer-provided data.
Forms of publication
Monthly news release—Mass Layoffs in (month)—analyzing summary information for 50 States and the District of Columbia, as well as by industry. Quarterly news release—Extended Mass Layoffs in (quarter)—analyzing the nature of private sector nonfarm layoffs lasting more than 30 days for 50 States and the District of Columbia, as well as the claimant characteristics associated with those layoffs. Annual report—Extended Mass Layoffs—detailed analysis of the nature of layoffs, and associated claimant characteristics, lasting more than 30 days for the Nation. In addition, analysis of layoff activity is provided for each State.
Uses
Sub-state allocations of Federal funds for dislocated workers through the Economic Development and Worker Adjustment Assistance Act. Analysis of ailing industries or geographic areas. Identifying the causes and scope of worker dislocation, especially in terms of the human and economic costs, and the characteristics of dislocated workers. Development of approaches for work force planners and labor market analysts in assisting employers and/or workers at the local level. Analysis of potentially available labor market supply.
Last Modified Date: March 05, 2004