U.S. mass layoffs decreased in August

Employers took 1,546 mass layoff actions in August that resulted in the separation of 150,192 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.

Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer.

The number of mass layoff events in August decreased by 63 from the prior month, while the number of associated initial claims increased by 6,489.

In August, 403 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 46,540 initial claims.