United States: Duration of Unemployment - 15 Weeks & Over

Macro

2026-06-05

Description

The Number Unemployed for 15 Weeks & Over is released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and measures the number of individuals who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or more and are still actively seeking work during the reporting period. This is a key indicator reflecting long-term unemployment and the overall health of the labor market.

An increase in this figure typically indicates persistent challenges in certain sectors of the economy or the potential onset of a recession, leading to a rise in long-term unemployment. Conversely, a decrease in this figure may suggest that the labor market is improving or that the economy is in a recovery phase, with long-term unemployed individuals finding jobs more quickly.

This data is released monthly, reflecting changes in the number of individuals unemployed for 15 weeks or more in the United States during the previous month.

Published by
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update
Hashtags

AI Data Insight

In the second quarter of 2026 (April), the number of long-term unemployed individuals in the US (jobless for 15 weeks or more) climbed to 3.065 million, a significant increase from the previous figure of 2.890 million. Although the overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3%, the growth in the long-term unemployed population highlights a slowing labor market, with job seekers facing longer periods of unemployment and greater challenges in career transition.

AI Data Insight

In the second quarter of 2026 (April), the number of long-term unemployed individuals in the US (jobless for 15 weeks or more) climbed to 3.065 million, a significant increase from the previous figure of 2.890 million. Although the overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3%, the growth in the long-term unemployed population highlights a slowing labor market, with job seekers facing longer periods of unemployment and greater challenges in career transition.

Description

The Number Unemployed for 15 Weeks & Over is released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and measures the number of individuals who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or more and are still actively seeking work during the reporting period. This is a key indicator reflecting long-term unemployment and the overall health of the labor market.

An increase in this figure typically indicates persistent challenges in certain sectors of the economy or the potential onset of a recession, leading to a rise in long-term unemployment. Conversely, a decrease in this figure may suggest that the labor market is improving or that the economy is in a recovery phase, with long-term unemployed individuals finding jobs more quickly.

This data is released monthly, reflecting changes in the number of individuals unemployed for 15 weeks or more in the United States during the previous month.

Published by
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update
Hashtags