BLS Cancels October Jobs Report, Delays November Release
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has announced significant changes to its job report schedule amidst a government shutdown. The October jobs report will not be released, missing a pivotal economic data point during a period of stagnant employment and persistent inflation.
BLS Cancels October Jobs Report
The cancellation of the October jobs report complicates the economic landscape. It highlights concerns regarding a potential broader economic slowdown. The November jobs report, typically scheduled for early December, has also been affected. It is now set to be released on December 16, 2025.
Details on Job Report Changes
- The October report will not be published due to a lapse in appropriations.
- BLS will provide some October job data gathered from government and private payrolls.
- However, this data will not include results from the standard household survey.
- According to BLS, household survey data for October cannot be retroactively collected.
- Data collection for November will be extended to accommodate the changes.
September’s job figures are scheduled for release on Thursday morning, reflecting the delays experienced. Additionally, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) updates will adjust their release schedule. Instead of a separate September JOLTS report, it will be combined with October data, set to be published on December 9.
Impact on Federal Reserve Decisions
The absence of the October report and the delay in November’s data present challenges for the Federal Reserve. The open markets committee meets on December 9-10, just before the release of the November report. Labor market data significantly informs the Fed’s decisions on interest rate adjustments.
Currently, the likelihood of an interest rate cut appears reduced. On Tuesday, traders estimated a 50% chance of a rate decrease. Following the latest BLS announcement, those odds dropped to approximately 36%. Furthermore, President Trump has advocated for further rate cuts, aiming to stimulate the economy but raising concerns about inflationary pressures.
