There were 1,856 mass layoffs in April, down 30.3% from the 2,663 in April 2009, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance associated with mass layoffs in April totaled 200,870, down 23.7% from the 263,162 in April 2009.

The "school and employee bus transportation" industry reported the largest number of initial claims in April (not seasonally adjusted) at 19,007.

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