Mass Layoff Statistics
Second Quarter 2004 Summary
The Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS)
program records and tracks layoff events occurring in Colorado through the use
of the unemployment insurance program. A
mass layoff event occurs when at least fifty people from a firm file a
first-time or initial claim for unemployment insurance during any consecutive
five-week period with the workers being separated for more than 30 days.
The second quarter of 2004 found an increase in MLS events and claims from the previous quarter, but a decrease from one year ago. Fifteen layoff events led to 2,469 initial claims filed from January through March. One year ago, 20 MLS events resulted in 3,002 initial claim filings.
Both
arts, entertainment, and recreation as well as accommodation and food services
experienced the highest number of MLS events with three this quarter. The highest number of MLS claims came from
the information sector with 522 claims. Arts, entertainment, and
recreation sector and accommodation and food services were close behind with 481
and 463 claims, respectively.
Close to half of all layoff events during the second quarter of 2004 were a result of seasonal factors, a decrease from first quarter when two-thirds of all layoff events were the result of seasonal factors.
The second quarter of 2004 continued the trend of higher levels of female claimants from MLS events. For the past three years, the second quarter of each year has had an overrepresentation of female claimants whereas male claimants are usually overrepresented in the fourth quarter.
Nationally, 1,233 mass layoff
events left 233,852 workers away from their jobs for at
least 31 days during the second quarter of 2004. The nation also experienced a similar
decrease in layoff events and initial claims as