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Possible online services disruption due to Internet related outage

A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems.  We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

IDES offices will be closed Monday, October 14 for the federal holiday, but you can still certify and apply for benefits and access other online resources!  Please note that benefit payments may take longer to process during this time.  Offices will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, October 15.

Mass Layoff Statistics

The Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) program was a Federal-State initiative that identified, described and tracked large job cutbacks. Establishments with 50 or more Unemployment Insurance (UI) initial claims filed against them within a five consecutive week period were identified as having potential mass layoffs or closures. When the MLS program was supported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers identified as having potential mass layoffs were contacted by phone by state MLS program staff to determine the precise location, time period, ​size, duration, and reason for the layoff or closure, the establishment’s open/closed status, as well as, worker recall plans, if any.

Federal support for the Mass Layoff Statistics program discontinued

On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the-board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cut its budget by more than $30 million and eliminated the MLS program. The final BLS release of Mass Layoffs Statistics data was on June 21, 2013 with publication of the May 2013 data.

However, despite the loss of federal support for the MLS program, we continue to update a small number of the Illinois statewide mass layoff reports, including the monthly and annual reports available below on this page.

Total Mass Layoffs in Illinois (includes temporary layoffs, less than 31 days)​

Useful Links

If you’re having difficulty finding what you need, please submit your data request or questions to DES.LMI@illinois.gov.