Extended Mass Layoffs In The Fourth Quarter Of 2006 — 2007-02-13

In the fourth quarter of 2006, there were 1,444 mass layoff events that resulted in the separation of 255,886 workers from their jobs for at least 31 days, according to preliminary figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor�s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Both the total number of layoff events and the number of separations were higher than during the October- December 2005 time period. (See table A.) The over-the-year increases in layoffs were most notable in transportation equipment manufacturing, insurance carriers and related activities, and food and beverage stores. Fifty-seven percent of all employers reporting an extended layoff in the fourth quarter of 2006 indicated they would recall some number of workers. This was the lowest proportion of employers expecting to recall workers for any fourth quarter since 2002.