Job Losses: By The Numbers

Jan. 11, 2009

Employment takes a hit in 2008.

Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Manufacturing Performance Institute/MAPI show that the end of 2008 was one of the worst periods in recent history for job losses.

6.7% U.S. unemployment rate as of November 2008

573,000 Unemployment claims filed for the week of Dec. 6, 2008 (a 26-year high)

7.8%* Annual rate at which manufacturing production declined during third-quarter 2008

4.2%* Rate at which manufacturing production is expected to decline in 2009

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
* Manufacturing Alliance/MAPI

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About the Author

Jonathan Katz | Former Managing Editor

Former Managing Editor Jon Katz covered leadership and strategy, tackling subjects such as lean manufacturing leadership, strategy development and deployment, corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and growth strategies. As well, he provided news and analysis of successful companies in the chemical and energy industries, including oil and gas, renewable and alternative.

Jon worked as an intern for IndustryWeek before serving as a reporter for The Morning Journal and then as an associate editor for Penton Media’s Supply Chain Technology News.

Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Kent State University and is a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.