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.

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.

• Month/Year
• Industry/Month/Year
• Annual/Industry

• WARN reports (employer layoff and plant closure notices)
• Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics MLS Home Page​

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