Haver Analytics
Haver Analytics
Global| Jul 28 2005

Mass Layoffs Down

Summary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of mass layoff events dropped 1.8% in June for the second consecutive month. The decline lowered the average number of events so far this year 7.4% versus last year's first six [...]


The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of mass layoff events dropped 1.8% in June for the second consecutive month. The decline lowered the average number of events so far this year 7.4% versus last year's first six months.

While the number of firms reporting mass layoffs in June fell to 1,175, these layoffs generated 127,887 (-9.5% y/y) initial claims for unemployment insurance.

During the last ten years there has been a (negative) 78% correlation between the number of mass layoff events and the y/y change in non-farm payrolls.

The Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) program collects reports on mass layoff actions that result in workers being separated from their jobs. Monthly mass layoff numbers are from establishments which have at least 50 initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) filed against them during a 5-week period. Extended mass layoff numbers (issued quarterly) are from a subset of such establishments--where private sector non-farm employers indicate that 50 or more workers were separated from their jobs for at least 31 days.

Mass Layoffs June May Y/Y 2004 2003 2002
Number of Events: All Industries 1,175 1,196 -14.5% 15,900 19,155 20,474
Numbers of Persons Filing Initial Unemployment Insurance Claim: All Industries 127,887 128,771 -9.5% 1,588,493 1,936,463 2,256,014
  • Prior to joining Haver Analytics in 2000, Mr. Moeller worked as the Economist at Chancellor Capital Management from 1985 to 1999. There, he developed comprehensive economic forecasts and interpreted economic data for equity and fixed income portfolio managers. Also at Chancellor, Mr. Moeller worked as an equity analyst and was responsible for researching and rating companies in the economically sensitive automobile and housing industries for investment in Chancellor’s equity portfolio.   Prior to joining Chancellor, Mr. Moeller was an Economist at Citibank from 1979 to 1984.   He also analyzed pricing behavior in the metals industry for the Council on Wage and Price Stability in Washington, D.C.   In 1999, Mr. Moeller received the award for most accurate forecast from the Forecasters' Club of New York. From 1990 to 1992 he was President of the New York Association for Business Economists.   Mr. Moeller earned an M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University, where he graduated in 1987. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from George Washington University.

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