Layoffs, trailing 12 months
This chart tracks trailing-12-month layoffs and discharges in the overall U.S. economy and the information sector. It uses BLS JOLTS data via FRED; the two series use separate axes and measure employer-initiated separations, not announced job cuts or unemployment claims.
What does it show?
Overall layoffs remain relatively stable; the information sector is the more unusual part of the picture.
Methodology
JOLTS layoffs and discharges, trailing 12-month sums, indexed to 100 in 2019-12. Total nonfarm (JTSLDL) is seasonally adjusted. Information (JTU5100LDL) is not seasonally adjusted; the 12-month sum removes seasonality. Indexing puts both series on one axis and compares changes rather than incompatible sector totals.