TABLE 5: Layoffs and discharges estimated rate and level changes between December 2011 and January 2012, and test of significance, seasonally adjusted Rates Levels (in thousands) ===== ===================== Estimated Minimum Pass test of Estimated Minimum Pass test of over-the-month significant significance over-the-month significant significance Industry and region change change* change change* Total -0.1 0.1 -39 197 INDUSTRY Total private 0.0 0.2 -55 194 Government 0.1 0.1 17 23 REGION Northeast -0.1 0.3 -26 85 South -0.1 0.2 -38 112 Midwest 0.0 0.3 -1 87 West 0.1 0.3 25 93 SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, March 13, 2012. *NOTE: Significant over-the-month changes are calculated at a 90 percent confidence level. The median standard error is used in testing the over-the-month change.