Few economic data are as closely watched as measures of employment and unemployment. BLS programs covering jobs and joblessness reveal more than the general level of economic activity and utilization of labor. These programs also provide statistics on the following:

• the situations of minorities, women, and other demographic groups contingent and displaced workers
• hours and earnings in industries
• State and local area unemployment
• mass layoffs
• occupational employment and wages
• labor market experiences measured for the same workers at multiple points in time,
• workers covered by unemployment insurance
• labor demand and turnover
• gross job gains and losses