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Mass layoffs double in April

May 22, 2009

The number of mass layoffs and associated initial claims from unemployment insurance in April were more than double the number in the same month last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 2,712 mass layoff actions in April compared with 1,344 in April 2008. And there were 271,226 associated claims for unemployment compared with 135,352 in the same month a year ago.

The industry with the largest number of initial claims for unemployment benefits stemming from mass layoffs was school and employee bus transportation at 22,324. It was followed by temporary help services at 13,705.

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