The Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) program collects reports on mass layoff actions that result in workers being separated from their jobs. Mass layoff events are from establishments which have at least 25 initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) filed against them during a 5-week period.

In 2010, there were 179 mass layoff actions taken by Rhode Island employers, as measured by new filings for UI benefits. The events involved a total of 17,143 people, accounting for 17 percent of all initial claims (100,246) filed during the year. Forty-one of the 179 layoff actions that occurred in 2010 were classified as long-term layoffs (expected to last more than 30 days).

The Manufacturing sector posted the largest number of mass layoff events in 2010. Twenty-eight companies were responsible for the 42 events, resulting in the filing of 2,937 initial claims for UI. Miscellaneous Manufacturing industries reported the most events (19), followed Textile Mills (8).

There were 24 mass layoff events associated with the Administrative & Waste Services sector. The 11 companies associated with these events had 1,070 initial claims and were all from the Administrative & Support Services industry.

The Transportation & Warehousing sector recorded 21 mass layoff events in 2010. These events resulted in the filing of 5,080 initial claims from seven Rhode Island companies, all of which were in the Transit & Ground Passenger Transportation industry.

Five Accommodation & Food Services establishments generated 17 mass layoff events in 2010, resulting in the filing of 3,973 initial claims.  
 

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Labor Market Information
1511 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920-4407

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