The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that August 2003 mass layoffs were higher than in August 2002, as measured by new filings (initial claims) for unemployment insurance benefits during the month.

Summary Figures

• Employers initiated 1,258 mass layoffs in August 2003
• Each layoff involved at least 50 workers from a single establishment
• A total of 133,839 workers were laid off
• At 13,205, the total number of layoffs was higher from January through August 2003, than in the same period last year
• At 1,316,863, the number of initial unemployment claims from January through August 2003 was lower than in the same period last year
• Textile mills (+5,977), and motion picture and sound recording (+5,409) accounted for the largest increases in initial claims compared to August 2002
• The largest decrease (-3,527) in initial claims compared to August 2002, was in computer and electronic products
• At 47,022, the highest number of initial claims was in the West, with California leading the pack

Industry Distribution

The industries below had the most initial unemployment claims.

• Manufacturing: 39 percent
• Temporary help services: 7 percent
• Information sector: 7 percent
• Transportation and warehousing: 7 percent
• Construction: 6 percent
• Government: 6 percent

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Unemployment data courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Copyright © 2003, J. Steven Niznik. All Rights Reserved.