The number of mass layoffs totaled 2,769 in February, a 65.9% increase over the same month last year, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Initial unemployment claims associated with mass layoffs rose 61.4% year-over-year in February to 295,477.

Temporary help services was the industry with the highest number of initial claims for unemployment stemming from mass layoffs (not seasonally adjusted) at 12,477.

A mass layoff action involves at least 50 workers from a single workplace.