To understand this, we must first explain how statistics on mass layoffs are collected. First, a weekly count of all initial claims for unemployment insurance that are filed in Texas are tabulated by employer. This data is held within a database and compared with each new weekly count of initial claims as they are added. The employer is then contacted to verify and describe the layoff. As the data is collected, a series of pictures begin to emerge, describing mass layoffs in some detail.
Mass layoffs can, and do, occur anywhere, from small towns to the largest metropolitan areas.
Since 1997, most mass layoffs in Texas have occurred in Harris and Dallas counties. Looking at the chart at left, not only do the largest of the state's counties experience mass layoffs, but two of the border area's largest counties have also been affected. Moreover, these eight counties account for slightly more than two-thirds of the mass layoffs in Texas. To be sure, mass layoffs do occur in small and medium size counties. As with location, mass layoffs can and do occur in any industry.