While the number of initial unemployment claims due to mass layoffs decreased when compared to a year ago in all four regions of the country, the West had the highest number of initial claims in May 2006. The second-highest number of claims was posted in the Midwest.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Mass Layoffs Summary, California had the largest number of initial claims for the month, followed by Illinois, New York, Michigan and Texas.
Overall, the industries with the highest levels of mass layoff initial claims in May 2006 were temporary help services, food service contractors, and motion picture/video production.
The BLS Mass Layoffs Statistics program “identifies, describes, and tracks the effects of major job cutbacks.” Information is derived from state unemployment figures.