Number of mass layoff events in January-August of each year, 1996-2004 Events Jan.-Aug. 1996 9,052 Jan.-Aug. 1997 10,208 Jan.-Aug. 1998 10,570 Jan.-Aug. 1999 10,249 Jan.-Aug. 2000 9,554 Jan.-Aug. 2001 13,148 Jan.-Aug. 2002 13,091 Jan.-Aug. 2003 13,205 Jan.-Aug. 2004 (p) 11,017 p = preliminary