U.S. Labor Market Snapshot: Job Claims Fall, Openings Steady, Layoffs Persist

217,000

For the week ending October 11, 2025, initial claims for r state unemployment benefits dropped to a seasonally adjusted 217,000 from 235,000 the previous week, indicating a modest easing in layoffs even as overall hiring remains sluggish.

7.2M

U.S. job openings stayed steady at 7.2 million in August, with hires at 5.1 million and quits at 3.1 million, reflecting a stable labor market. Construction and federal roles saw declines, while layoffs remained unchanged at 1.7 million.

2.10%

In September 2025, the the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s “Layoffs and Other Separations Rate” rose slightly to 2.10% from 2.09% in August, signaling continued job instability despite steady employment figures.

54.064

U.S. companies announced approximately 54,064 job cuts in September 2025—a decline from earlier months but still keeping year-to-date layoffs at an elevated level. The reduction suggests some stabilization, though tech and finance sectors continue to lead in planned cuts.

2000

The Department of the Interior plans to eliminate over 2,000 jobs across its bureaus, including the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Geological Survey, as part of fall cost-cutting measures. The move reflects broader federal efforts to streamline operations and reduce administrative overhead.