business
Hospital layoffs down slightly in first quarter
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 2, 2011
The first quarter of 2011 saw fewer mass layoffs at hospitals than the first quarter of 2010. Mass layoffs are defined as at least 50 people losing their jobs from one company.
Ten mass layoffs occurred at hospitals in March, bringing the total for the first three months of 2011 to 33, according to data released April 22 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (link). At least 2,118 jobs were lost during the quarter.
Twelve mass layoffs occurred at hospitals in March 2010, with 798 jobs lost. Thirty-six mass layoffs occurred in the first three months of 2010, with 2,516 people claiming unemployment benefits.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/05/02/bibf0502.htm.












