The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on February 23 that 1,761 mass layoff actions were filed for the month of January. At least 50 employees had to be laid off in order to be considered such an action. Seasonally adjusted, this resulted in the release of 182,261 workers, based on the fillings of unemployment insurance benefits.

34% of the mass layoff events and 38% of the initial unemployment claims originated from the manufacturing sector. While seemingly high figures, this compares to 38% and 44% for the corresponding figures from last year.

Ten states increased in the number of unemployment claims, the three leaders being California, New York and Pennsylvania. Ohio is in the lead for largest over-the-year decrease in claims.