[Excerpt] The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) conducts the Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) program to provide information on large-scale layoff events and on the characteristics of dislocated workers. Each month, BLS reports on the number of mass layoff actions by employers, and each quarter there is a more detailed report on the number and characteristics of those mass layoffs that last more than 30 days. (Since 2004, the detailed reports no longer cover government and nonfarm layoffs.) This report summarizes this latter analysis for 2003, providing information on the industry, geographic distribution, and size of mass layoffs; the demographic characteristics of those claiming unemployment insurance; the duration of certified unemployment; the expectation of recall; and the extent of permanent worksite closures.