United States: Duration of Unemployment - 15 Weeks & Over

Macro

2026-10-02

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 August 2026, the number of people unemployed for 15 weeks or more in the US climbed to 3.133 million, further expanding from 3.077 million in the previous month, indicating that the long-term unemployment problem is worsening. Although the overall unemployment rate for the month stabilized near the consensus value of 4.1%, prolonged job search times and corporate hiring freezes highlight underlying concerns in the labor market. Cooling labor demand and potential unemployment risks in the coming months will be the focus of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.

AI Data Insight

In August 2026, the number of people unemployed for 15 weeks or more in the US climbed to 3.133 million, further expanding from 3.077 million in the previous month, indicating that the long-term unemployment problem is worsening. Although the overall unemployment rate for the month stabilized near the consensus value of 4.1%, prolonged job search times and corporate hiring freezes highlight underlying concerns in the labor market. Cooling labor demand and potential unemployment risks in the coming months will be the focus of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.

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