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# Overview of BLS Statistics on Unemployment

A number of BLS programs provide information about joblessness. See the following:

National Unemployment Rate (from the Current Population Survey)

A monthly household survey provides comprehensive information on the employment and unemployment of the population classified by age, sex, race, and other characteristics.

State and Local Unemployment Rates

Monthly estimates of employment and unemployment are available for all states, metropolitan areas, small labor market areas, counties, cities of 25,000 or more, all cities and towns in New England, and certain other areas.

Mass Layoff Statistics

BLS publishes monthly reports on all mass layoffs and quarterly reports on layoffs lasting more than 30 days. These reports identify, describe, and track the effects of major job cutbacks, using data from each state's unemployment insurance database supplemented with employer-provided data.

Unemployment Research

The Employment Research staff initiates, plans, and directs activities for improving the quality and enhancing the analytical usefulness of BLS employment and unemployment statistics.

Unemployment Rates in Other Countries

Monthly estimates of unemployment rates for 10 countries, approximating U.S. concepts, are available on a seasonally adjusted basis. (Note that the International Labor Comparisons program has been discontinued.)

 

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Business Costs | Demographic Data | Employment | Geography | Industry | Inflation and Prices | International Data and Technical Cooperation | Occupation | Pay and Benefits | Productivity | Research Programs | Spending and Time Use | ***Unemployment*** | Wages by Area and Occupation | Women Workers | Worker Safety and Health

 

**Last Modified Date:** December 16, 2013

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