Number of mass layoff events in January-November of each year, 1996-2001 Events Jan.-Nov. 1996 12,287 Jan.-Nov. 1997 13,326 Jan.-Nov. 1998 14,128 Jan.-Nov. 1999 13,400 Jan.-Nov. 2000 13,061 Jan.-Nov. 2001 (p) 18,920 p=preliminary