U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (05/22/12)

New data show that staffing was one of the industries with the largest number of layoffs in April. The number of mass layoffs increased by 115 to 1,388 in April from March, according to seasonally adjusted data released on May 22 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each mass layoff involved at least 50 workers from a single employer. Initial claims for unemployment insurance caused by mass layoff events rose by 14,290 in April from March for a total of 135,600. “School and employee bus transportation” was the industry with the most initial claims due to mass layoff events in April with 20,482 claims, followed by temporary help services, with 10,285 initial claims in April.