[Excerpt] The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) conducts the Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) program to provide information on large-scale private nonfarm layoff events and on the characteristics of dislocated workers. Each month, BLS reports on the number of mass layoff events by employers, and each quarter there is a separate report on the number and characteristics of those private nonfarm mass layoffs that last more than 30 days. This report summarizes and analyzes the quarterly data for 2005. It provides information on the industry, geographic distribution, and size of private nonfarm mass layoffs; the demographic characteristics of those claiming unemployment insurance; the duration of certified unemployment; the expectation of recall; the extent of permanent worksite closures; the reason for the layoff; and the movement-of-work actions taken by employers.